Speech

Remarks for Avian Influenza Experts Symposium Settha Palace Hotel,

(Thank you Dr. Khan thong Bounlu)

(Honored guests.) 

(Ladies and Gentlemen.) 

(I am delighted to be here today

with His Excellency Dr. Ponemek Dalaloy, Minister of Health,

to welcome you to this Experts Symposium

on Avian and Human Influenza.)

As professionals in this field, you already know how important and timely this issue is for Laos and for the region. 

We know from events earlier this year that early detection, a quick response, and close collaboration are the keys to containing these deadly diseases.

By working in partnership - across borders, across bureaucracies, and across specialties - e can begin to protect the people and their livelihoods.

Years of research, data collection, and hard work in the labs and in the field have brought us to this point in our efforts to control infection and to manage cases effectively.

It is only the beginning. There is still a lot left to do.

The United States Government is pleased to be working with the Ministry of Health, and with the World Health Organization, to improve our effortsby sharing our expertise and knowledge.

I would like to acknowledge personally the critical role of the WHO, and that of His Excellency, Dr Don Il Ahn, Country Representative, Lao PDR, for his efforts to safeguard the health and well being of the Lao people from existing and emerging diseases, including Avian and Pandemic Influenza.

The Embassy of the United States also extends its thanks to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in supporting this forum which is really all about sharing: what we know and what we do not know.

We hope that what we learn from each other can be used to combat all types of infectious diseases, those we know, and those we do not yet recognize.

I look forward to greater cooperation between our governments and our peoples on this critical issue of public health and economic development.

(Thank you for your participation.)