On November 2, the Ministry of Health convened a meeting to continue implementing the action plan for avian influenza and human influenza virus control in the near future.
According to Mr. Trinh Quan Huan, Deputy Minister of Health, as there is currently no established mechanism for the transmission of H5N1 from poultry to humans, it is crucial to restructure the entire poultry farming system from now until 2010.
Mr. Huan stated that theoretically, small-scale outbreaks of influenza can be controlled. However, given the low awareness among the public, the uncontrolled breeding, transportation, and use of poultry products from unclear sources will make it significantly more challenging to contain outbreaks when they occur.
Dr. Nguyen Tran Hien, Director of the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, recently returned from an international conference on global avian influenza prevention held in Canada. He noted that Vietnam is highly regarded for its efforts in combating avian influenza and human viral influenza due to its effective surveillance and disease diagnosis systems for the community. Nonetheless, global health experts also warn that if a pandemic occurs, Vietnam could be one of the “hotspots.”
In light of the escalating situation with avian influenza, Mr. Trinh Quan Huan mentioned that the Ministry of Health is developing a national drill plan for avian influenza prevention, which will include complex scenarios related to surveillance and treatment to minimize community transmission and mortality rates while accumulating experience in epidemic control. Initially, the Ministry will conduct three major drills in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa).
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