Researchers and public health experts from China and around the world, including officials from the World Health Organization, are in Beijing for a three-day symposium on the prevention and control of SARS and avian influenza.

The three-day event starting today is being organized by China's Ministry of Health, with support from the World Bank and several government and social organizations from Britain, Canada and Japan.

The symposium is particularly timely. Earlier this year, Bird flu outbreaks in poultry flared up once again in China, Thailand and Vietnam.

The recent outbreaks in Viet Nam have also triggered human cases, reiterating the serious public health threat Bird Flu poses.

As for SARS, there was a limited outbreak in China just months ago, apparently caused by biosafety lapses at the National Institute of Virology in Beijing, highlighting once again the need for strengthening biosafety at laboratories around the world -- just one component of the SARS unfinished agenda.

The symposium will include presentations outlining some of their latest research in China into SARS and bird flu.

Specialists will discuss mechanisms for dealing with these diseases, including surveillance and response. The international delegates who are scheduled to attend will present global overviews, and discuss preparedness and response plans -- including reviews and updates from Canada, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Viet Nam and the United States. 

(CRI August 20, 2004)