APEC Health Task Force Outlines Priorities for the Year Ahead

The APEC Health Task Force (HTF) has agreed on its 2006 Work Plan that includes a joint action plan to address health and economic impacts of infectious disease and in particular deal with pandemic influenza preparedness and response.

The Work Plan was finalized by the HTF at their meeting in Ha Noi on February 27-28 and was today formally endorsed by APEC Senior Officials.

The HTF will also provide significant support to the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Avian and Influenza Pandemics that will be held in Da Nang, Viet Nam, on May 4-5.

HTF Chair, Mr Ian Shugart, said key issues in the Work Plan include implementing measures to help APEC Member Economies to prepare for the threat posed by potential pandemics.

"With the growing spread of pathogenic avian influenza around the world, including economies in the region, APEC members are working together to prepare to deal with this threat to our people and our economies," Mr Shugart said.

"While the H5N1 avian influenza has not mutated to the degree which allows human-to-human transmission, it is the greatest known emerging infectious disease threat currently facing the global community.

"The work plan focuses on areas such as risk communications and public awareness of issues relating to pandemics and ensuring the continuity of business and economic activities in the event of a crisis.

"As part of the plan a workshop, will be convened in Da Nang to strengthen the capacity of economies in the region to build communications networks that will be essential in the event of a pandemic outbreak. The workshop will take place on the sidelines of the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Avian and Influenza Pandemics."

Mr Shugart said another priority of the HTF will be pursuing activities to strengthen the ability of APEC economies to respond to HIV/AIDS.

"Estimates are that more than 40 million people worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS in 2005," Mr Shugart said.

"The APEC Health Task Force will continue to pursue activities designed to strengthen the ability of APEC Member Economies to respond to HIV/AIDs.

"A focus of this work will be creating an enabling environment for employers to implement effective workplace practices for people living with HIV/AIDS and supporting prevention activities inn work place settings."

A further symposium on Emerging Infectious Diseases will be held in Beijing in April as part of the HTF 2006 Work Plan.