A document to this effect was signed in Hanoi on August 24 by the health ministries of Vietnam and Laos.

Under the programme till 2010, Vietnam and Laos will boost health cooperation, exchanges of information and bio-product samples, organise seminars and training courses, develop and implement scientific programmes, research projects and plans to combat human avian influenza. They will also coordinate in organising human avian influenza drills.    

Vietnam will provide resources to help Laos control the epidemic if it occurs in the country. For its part, Laos will share information about influenza and other new infectious diseases with Vietnam.