Countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, and the Middle East have heightened their vigilance against avian influenza after the deadly virus was recently detected in several European countries.
Today, October 31, 21 member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum convened in Brisbane, Australia, to seek measures to prevent the spread of the H5N1 influenza virus.
According to Australian officials, APEC health officials met for the first time to develop a preparedness plan in the event of an outbreak, including the worst-case scenario where the avian influenza virus could spread from human to human.
Information sharing and the establishment of a regional stockpile of influenza vaccines to combat the lethal H5N1 virus are top priorities on the agenda.
Another APEC meeting is also being prepared, scheduled to take place in mid-November in Busan, South Korea, where leaders hope to continue discussions on steps to combat avian influenza.
Meanwhile, today, over 80 ministers and veterinary experts from African countries are gathering in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, to discuss measures to prevent the H5N1 virus from entering Africa.
Migratory birds are believed to be a source of avian influenza virus transmission. Since the outbreak was detected in Europe, experts warn that during the winter, these migratory birds may carry the virus to warmer regions in North Africa, including the Nile Delta.
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Selling chicken in Arbil, Iraq. Iraq has recently reported two cases of avian influenza but confirmed they are not H5N1. |
This meeting follows a warning from the World Health Organization on Friday that Africa currently lacks stringent controls against avian influenza, and the region’s inadequate healthcare system would hinder any response should H5N1 emerge.
Concerns have also spread to the Middle East, where two conferences were recently held in Egypt and Cyprus to discuss measures against the avian influenza virus.
Palestinian Health Minister Zuhni Al-Waheidi, who attended both meetings yesterday, stated that the Palestinian government has allocated over $3 million to prepare for a potential outbreak, even though avian influenza has not yet been detected in their territory.
In Iraq, Agriculture Minister Ali al-Bahadli reported that veterinary staff are collaborating to monitor the situation. Yesterday, the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq reported two cases of avian influenza, but experts have ruled out that both cases are caused by the H5N1 virus.
TUONG VY (Compiled)