24 June - To supplement its continuing efforts to combat avian influenza, the Government of Viet Nam has invited a WHO-coordinated international expert team to work with top Vietnamese scientists in Hanoi. These experts will be further studying issues first raised at a WHO meeting in Manila in May 2005, including the possibility of more widespread H5N1 human transmission, changes in the H5N1 virus, and the likelihood of increased human-to-human transmission.

“Viet Nam has taken serious measures to control avian influenza and shared its responsibility in the global efforts to combat this dangerous epidemic," said Mr Cao Duc Phat, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the chair of the government's task force on avian influenza. "Viet Nam welcomes the support of the international community and we hope that appropriate financial and technical support will be provided in a timely manner," said Mr Phat.

"It is essential that recent avian influenza information in Viet Nam be shared with the global community," says Dr Hans Troedsson, WHO Representative in Viet Nam. "What has happened in Viet Nam may have public health implications for the entire world, and will be crucial in preparing for a possible pandemic." WHO commends Viet Nam for their willingness to work with international partners in advancing the understanding of avian influenza.

The international team consists of top virologists and epidemiologists from Hong Kong SAR, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The team is working in Hanoi during the week of 20 June.

For more information, please contact:

Ms Maria Cheng, Communications Officer, WHO Viet Nam, Tel. 943 3738/4/5/6, mobile: 0915 413 814 or email:

Mr Peter Cordingley, Public Information Office/Spokesman for the WHO Western Pacific Region, at (63 2) 528 9992 or email

Mr Dick Thompson, Communication Officer, WHO, Geneva, at (41 22) 791 2684 or email

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