AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY HOLDS FORUM ON AVIAN INFLUENZA
Health experts from Australia and the Philippines recently gathered at the Australian Embassy to address the increasing threat of Avian Influenza (AI) in the region. The forum, organised by the Australian Embassy in partnership with the World Health Organisation and the Philippine Department of Health, was attended by key government and civil society leaders who sought to discuss the medical and emergency preparedness issues associated with the disease. The speakers highlighted efforts initiated by the Australian and Philippine Governments and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in combating the spread and the effects of AI. Shown in the photo are (from L-R) Pablo Kang, Counsellor for Political-Economic and Public Affairs, together with the forum speakers Sam Zappia, Counsellor for the Australian Agency for International Development, WHO Representative Dr Jean-Marc Olivé, Simon Cotterell, Assistant Secretary of Australia’s Department of Health and Ageing, and Dr Yolanda Oliveros, Director of the National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control- Department of Health.