S. Korea to spend 18.6 bln won on research for infectious diseases next year

SEOUL, Sept. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Wednesday that it plans to spend 18.6 billion won (US$15.8 million) next year in conducting research on contagious diseases that can infect both humans and animals as part of efforts to effectively brace for the fast spread of such illnesses.

The amount is up 11.5 billion won from what the government set aside for this
year on such research activities, according to the Ministry for Health, Welfare
and Family Affairs.
The move comes as the death toll from H1N1 virus infections is growing. South
Korea has reported 10 deaths from the type-A influenza virus since the first
infection was reported in May.
The envisioned investment will be used mostly in developing anti-viral drugs and
vaccines aimed at treating and stemming the spread of such diseases.
In a related move, the ministry said that it will launch a tentatively-named "R&D
taskforce" earlier next year to coordinate investment among government agencies
in developing treatment and preventive drugs.
The taskforce will be run jointly by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and other
related ministries, it added.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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