On the afternoon of November 30, 2005, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPT) launched a website dedicated to avian influenza at www.cumgiacam.gov.vn. According to the information provided, despite this being the third outbreak season in Vietnam, many citizens are still not equipped with basic knowledge about avian influenza.
It is assessed that the establishment of a website providing information about avian influenza is extremely necessary at this time, as the outbreak is showing signs of spreading. In October and November 2005, avian influenza broke out in 199 communes and wards across 72 districts in 17 provinces and cities nationwide. Since October 1, a total of 1.5 million birds have been culled. During these two months, Vietnam reported two cases of H5N1 virus infection (with one fatality), raising the total number of reported cases to 93 (42 fatalities).
The avian influenza information website features seven sections and will be continuously updated.
