VN ready for int’l ministerial conference on pandemic flu

IMCAPI Hà Nội 2010 will set a new global milestone in combating animal and pandemic influenza, and endorsing the need for further international collaboration to address emerging health hazards.

Under the motto “Animal and Pandemic Influenza: The Way Forward”, the seventh IMCAPI is expected to create a platform for around 700 key stakeholders including Ministers of Agriculture (or Livestock) and Ministers of Health from over 100 countries and leaders from a range of regional and international organizations to exchange experience; identify difficulties; propose solutions; and take joint action against a possible outbreak of flu epidemics.    

In addition, delegates will assess global progress in controlling Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (caused by the virus H5N1) and propose a string of next steps to further reduce and potentially eradicate this serious threat.

Ministers are supposed to discuss and reach consensus on a Ministerial Statement that will guide future cooperation and coordination among countries and international organizations in 2010 and beyond.

It is reported that since bird flu disease started to break out in Asia in 2003, the world recorded 490 infected cases with 290 deaths.  

The Southeast Asia, West Africa and tropical region in America are most venerable areas for bird flu spreading, said Mr. Jean Marc Olive, WHO Chief Representative in Việt Nam, on the threshold of the IMCAPI Hà Nội 2010.

The WHO Representative also noted the necessary to scale up political efforts and boost up constant and regular financial assistance from the international community for developing countries.

For more information, please log in website: http://www.imcapi-hanoi-2010.org/home/en/.

By Hương Giang