May 20, 2005

Thailand and Hong Kong team up to fight bird flu

Thailand has demonstrated its commitment to spearheading regional efforts to halt the spread of avian flu by announcing that it will team up with Hong Kong to set up the world's first bank of influenza vaccines and anti-viral drugs.

First, the two countries will establish a joint bank of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu. While Thailand has a stockpile of 300,000 doses, Hong Kong has managed to store up to 3 million.

The bank will act as a regional resource that can be drawn on by countries across Asia should an outbreak of influenza emerge.

The second aspect of the bilateral deal will involve the exchange of expertise in vaccine research. While Hong Kong excels in laboratory diagnosis, Thailand has considerable experience in epidemiology.