|  Background
The recent outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI) among poultry
had its most devastating effect on poultry. The epidemic of AI has been
historically unprecedented in its geographical scope, spread and
consequences. It is estimated that millions of poultry were culled leading to
severe adverse economic impact on the poultry industry.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, early this year, 40
human cases of AI with 29 deaths have been reported from Asian countries.
Thus, AI remains a real threat both to human health and to the economies of
countries in the Region.
To combat this threat to global health, intercountry
cooperation, exchange of information and risk communication are necessary to
prevent unfounded panic among the general population.
To achieve this objective and to endorse an appropriate
strategy to meet the situation, it is proposed to organize a meeting of
Health Ministers from selected countries in WHO South-East Asia and Western
Pacific Regions at Bangkok on 26 November 2004. This will be
preceded by a meeting of senior officials on 25 November 2004 which will prepare the ground work
for the ministerial meeting. Objectives
The objectives of the meeting of Health Ministers are as
follows:
 To review the situation of avian influenza in Asia
and recommend modalities for collaboration among countries in the prevention
and control of Avian Influenza.
To obtain consensus among the Ministers of
Health with regard to political commitment and policy guidelines.
To promote intercountry collaboration and
networking among national key institutions with specific expertise in this
area.
Expected outcome
A clear policy statement expressing commitment
of participating Ministries of Health of ASEAN+3 to enhance collaboration
among countries to prevent and control Avian Influenza for the protection of
human health, and
Report of meeting with key recommendations and
follow-up actions by Ministries of Health and affiliated institutions to lead
and support national and international action by all partners to control and
prevent Avian Influenza in bird populations and reduce the risk for human
infection and emergence of an influenza pandemic.
Participants
The ministers of health and senior officials from 10
ASEAN+3 countries include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, plus China,
Japan and Republic of Korea will attend the meeting.
The Senior Officials’ Meeting will also be attended by
senior officials from Ministry of Agriculture/Animal Husbandry. Venue
Dusit Thani
Hotel, Silom, Bangkok,
Thailand Speeches and Statements
Address by Dr
Samlee Plianbangchang,
Regional Director, WHO South -East Asia (WHO and ASEAN+3 Health Ministers
Meeting on Avian Influenza -- Bangkok, 25 -26 November 2004)
Address by
Dr Bjorn Melgaard, Director of Progamme Management,
WHO South -East Asia (Senior Officials and Experts Meeting on Avian Influenza
from ASEAN+3 -- countries, Bangkok, Thailand, 25 November 2004)
Joint
Ministerial Statement on Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza, Bangkok,
Thailand - 26 November 2004
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