Conference Discusses Ways to Fight Epidemic Diseases

Viet Nam plans to prevent an influenza pandemic by reducing the risk to humans from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), said the deputy director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) yesterday.
Pham Ngoc Dinh said that the aim was to reduce the risk through early detection, quick response to human cases, targeting infected poultry, and preparing for the medical consequences of a human pandemic in the next three years.
Dinh was speaking at a three-day conference in the capital, aimed at discussing countermeasures to combat infectious diseases in Asia. It also has allowed representatives from major Asian cities to discuss experiences in fighting epidemic diseases.
"The development of diseases has become more complicated — especially in big cities. That’s why we need a network of doctors and experts for emergency situations." explained Junichi Kajiyama, Deputy Director General of Tokyo’s Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health.
Avian influenza first occurred in Viet Nam in December 2003. Since then, nearly 64 cities and provinces have been affected and 50 million poultry have been culled. One hundred people have been recorded with the H5N1 virus; 46 of whom died. The majority of human cases have been exposed to infected poultry.
The country still faces difficulties as many households raise ducks and chickens in their backyards for food. This, along with low awareness, increases the danger of an outbreak. Furthermore, there is currently a lack of regulations on transportation, quarantine and the slaughtering of poultry.
The conference, was attended by representatives from Asian cities, will have further discussions on tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS today and tomorrow.