Inter-Regional Knowledge Sharing Seminar
The first inter-regional knowledge sharing seminar on avian and human influenza was held on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 and focused on the integrated country plans that are the basis for coordinated and effective national response to avian and human pandemic influenza (AHI). The event, involving senior officials from Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, and Nigeria, allowed an interactive exchange of experience and practice between the officials directly responsible for coordinating their government’s response to AHI. Presentations from Thailand, Vietnam, and Turkey, and helpful comments and queries raised by the Japanese and Nigerian participants, provided important insights into the ways in which countries, while at very different stages in their response to AHI, have embedded the principles of coordinated, multi-sectoral, planning, implementation and monitoring in their national plans. In countries where the response is most advanced, authorities are now looking to strengthen the role of civil society and the private sector and to introduce approaches that will ensure effective communication between all levels of government involved.  The seminar provided officials with an opportunity to raise common challenges and to seek the experience and guidance of their counterparts in other countries and regions. It was apparent from the richness of the exchange that there is considerable appetite for further opportunities of this kind.
Asked to identify topics for subsequent discussions there was common agreement that future seminars could usefully address issues including: communications and the structuring of effective public awareness campaigns; guidance on the use of vaccination and the development of compensation systems; assessing the socio-economic impacts of AHI; surveillance and control measures during an outbreak; pandemic preparedness planning; ensuring timely confirmation of laboratory results; and, licensing of pharmaceuticals. The first seminar demonstrates the value of a forum in which practitioners and stakeholders can share lessons, experience and existing practice whilst also offering the opportunity for useful collective thinking in areas where practice is still emerging.  As an example, the first seminar identified a methodology for tabletop simulation exercises developed in Thailand that was of considerable interest to countries seeking to evaluate the robustness of their own national plans. In addition, initial discussions on the very complex issues surrounding compensation and vaccination policy indicate the useful role that these sessions can play in deepening understanding of common policy and strategy challenges. David Nabarro, Senior United Nations System Coordinator for Avian and Human Influenza, who joined the latter part of the seminar, gave his strong endorsement to the series.
A second seminar, planned for September 26, 2006 will focus on strategic communications and will be sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As with the first seminar, the event will be webcast live in order to allow the internet audience an opportunity to contribute questions and comments that can be addressed in real time by seminar participants.  Access the seminar page
More information:
Seminars on Avian and Human Influenza
Avian Flu in East Asia and Pacific
World Bank Avian and Human Influenza website |
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