Vietnam, China hold cross-border exercise on avian influenza prevention

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Regional Development Mission in Asia organized a joint cross-border avian influenza discussion exercise between Lang Son and Guangxi province on December 11 and 12, 2008. 

The purpose of the exercise was to assess and strengthen plans and procedures related to cross-border communicable-disease emergencies such as avian influenza and pandemic influenza.  The exercise was carried out with funding and technical support from the Kenan Institute Asia.

Lang Son shares a 1,000-kilometer border with Guangxi province in China. There are two border gates: Huu Nghi Quan and Dong Dang. These portals are primary transporation and trading routes between China and Vietnam.

The exercise was hosted by the Vietnam Administration of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, Ministry of Health.  Central-level and provincial government representatives from China and Vietnam, including health-care facility staff, provincial health officers, border control staff, customs and health quarantine officers, took part in the discussions.

Participants assessed existing plans and procedures to help determine if they are sufficient to manage cases occurring in close proximity to the border.  They also examined gaps in existing procedures and talked about steps to modify them.

While Vietnam has been quite successful in its internal efforts to control avian influenza, there is concern about its exposure through its vast borders.  The Lang Son and similar cross-border exercises are being funded by USAID and others to raise awareness of existing conditions and concerns among the government of Vietnam and its partners.

Back to Vietnam News Room

Go to Vietnam Country Page