India, US join hands to set up global disease detection centre

The US and India today signed a memorandum of understanding for establishment and operation of global disease detection centre here.

The MoU would be implemented through an agreed plan between the National Centre for Disease Control, India and the Centre for Disease Control, Atlanta.

The agreement would facilitate development of human resources, both in epidemiology and laboratory, enable sharing best practices for detection and response to emerging infections, wherever required.

It would also facilitate advanced training in the field of epidemiology and surveillance for emerging infectious diseases, international health and mentoring of public health professionals.

Building laboratory capacity in India for diagnosis of emerging infectious diseases using well characterised reference materials and advanced technology transfer are the other aims of the MoU.

The agreement was signed between the directors of NCDC, New Delhi and Director, CDC Atlanta.

It would be valid for a period of five years.