Avian influenza: Impact, Solutions and Readiness

Avian Influenza:
Impact, Solutions and Readiness

Wednesday, 12 April 2006

To date, World Health Organisation has reported that over 100 people have died from avian flu worldwide. Some experts have predicted the virus will spread to North America and Australia later this year.

Professor Graham Brown, Interim Director at the Nossal Institute of Global Health, Professor of Medicine and head of the Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases at the University of Melbourne led the discussion on the epidemiology of the virus whilst Dr. Robert Glasser, CEO of CARE Australia and the rest of the panel emphasised the need for the focus to be on our more vulnerable neighbours on the basis of a healthy region would also mean a healthy Australia. Bringing the discussion back to Victoria, Ms. Elizabeth Birbilis, Senior Policy Officer, Department of Human Services, Victoria reassured the audience of the level of preparedness of Australia and Victoria and of the simple measures and good practices which can help prevent the spread of influenza.

This event was presented by Asialink in conjunction with CARE Australia.

Asialink, The University of Melbourne

Avian influenza: Impact, Solutions and Readiness