David Nabarro, Senior United Nations System Influenza Coordinator, said in a video message sent to the IMCAPI that priorities should be focused on maintaining and building on the achievements that have already been made to control the H5N1 virus, and on developing institutions, professional capacities and systems in order to cope with challenges of emerging infectious diseases.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bui Ba Bong, suggested the conference should assess global progress in controlling Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which is caused by the H5N1 virus, and propose new steps to reduce and potentially eradicate this serious threat.

In a premeeting session on April 19, participants reviewed recent experiences and achievements of global responses to H5N1 and A/H1N1, defined the scientific rationale for continued attention and identified new challenges.

VNS