November 7, 2005

Southeast Asian countries sign declaration against bird flu

Five Southeast Asian countries have signed a cooperative declaration against bird flu and other infectious diseases at the recent Ayeyawady-ChaoPhraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy summit, or ACMECS.

While the summit sought to promote friendly relations and address economic issues among others, the recent human cases of bird flu in Thailand prompted a new focus on this issue.

The agreement called for grassroots level training and scientific research into the virus. In addition, the five countries would set up a network of public health agencies to promote information sharing and provide early warnings.

Relevant technology to produce anti-bird flu drugs in future would also be shared, and cooperative efforts would be made to encourage aid from the international community.