..Press Release................................ UNESCAP News Services

Date 5 April 2006
Note to Editor: N/18/2006

MEDIA ALERT: UN PRESS CONFERENCE

Monday, 10 April, UNCC Bangkok, 11.30 a.m.
Avian and Human Influenza Expert makes Asia visit to five countries

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) -- The Senior UN system Coordinator for Avian and Human Influenza, Dr. David Nabarro, is holding a press conference during his Thailand visit on Monday, April 10. Dr Nabarro will be in Thailand on 10 April for meetings with the National Committee on Avian Influenza Control of the Royal Thai Government and with UN representatives. He will also make a field visit within Thailand on Sunday, 9 April.

The Asian region has been hardest hit by Avian and Human Influenza, or bird flu. Wold Health Organisation (WHO) figures show cases have increased steadily since 2003. According to the figures, from 2003 to 3 April 2006, there have been 190 confirmed reported cases, with 107 deaths in nine countries.

Viet Nam (93) has experienced the highest number of Avian and Human Influenza cases, followed by Indonesia (29), then Thailand (22). Viet Nam and Thailand have managed to keep their number of deaths to about half their respective total number of cases.

Dr. Nabarro will visit five countries in the region to discuss each government’s approach to Avian and Human Influenza and the international coordination of influenza action and external assistance. Before Thailand, he will visit China, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Viet Nam, and after Thailand, he will visit Indonesia.

Dr Nabarro will meet with the Resident Coordinator and the United Nations country team working in each country on Avian and Human Influenza and on the preparedness of a potential influenza pandemic.

Dr. Nabarro will brief the media in Thailand on the latest Avian and Human Influenza related issues affecting the region.

NOTE TO EDITORS: You or your representatives are cordially invited to attend the Press Conference with Senior UN system Co-coordinator for Avian and Human Influenza, Dr. David Nabarro, on Monday, 10 April 1130 – 1200 hrs. at the Theatre, ground floor, UN Conference Centre, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok.

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