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News Release

HHS SECRETARY THOMPSON SIGNS AGREEMENT
WITH ITALIAN MINISTER OF HEALTH SIRCHIA

ROME -- U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and Italian Minister of Health Girolamo Sirchia, M.D., signed an agreement to promote greater cooperation in health and medical science between the two countries today. Secretary Thompson and Minister Sirchia signed the agreement after discussing various global health issues in Rome.

"In a global world we share global diseases that call for global collaboration and global response," HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. "SARS is simply the latest example of how diseases aren't respectful of international boundaries, therefore our science, research and partnerships must not stop at the water's edge."

The U.S. and Italy will initially work in cooperation on bioterrorism preparedness and response, oncology, and research and treatment of rare diseases.

"Each of these areas shows great promise, however the collaboration in cancer research may ultimately lead to the most hope for people around the world," Secretary Thompson said. "If we could end the threat of cancer as a death sentence for millions of people, we could truly brighten the lives of so many men, women and children walking on earth."

The agreement may be expanded to include other health issues in the future. As part of the agreement, the U.S. and Italy are able to exchange scientific delegations, non-proprietary information and technology; organize meetings and scientific conferences; and coordinate scientific programs and government-sponsored research protocols, including clinical trials. This agreement will augment already existing partnerships between the two nations.

"We will also encourage bringing together direct relationships between our governments and other appropriate institutions and research facilities. The synergy of our efforts will surely lead to a healthier tomorrow around the world," Secretary Thompson said.

The components of HHS involved under this agreement include: HHS' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness; the National Institutes of Health; and the Food and Drug Administration. The Italian components currently involved include: the Istituto Superiore di Sanita' (NIH), the Istituto Lazzaro Spallanzani (Institute for Infectious Diseases), the Istituto CSS Mendel (Institute for Genetic Diseases), and the Alleanza contro il Cancro (Cancer Hospital Network).

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: April 17, 2003