Strengthened collaboration between Greater Mekong sub-region countries in emerging infectious diseases prevention

This map shows regions that are favourable for the circulation of Zika virus. It can be seen that countries in the Greater Mekong Sub-region are considered to have environmental suitability for the Zika virus. (Source: Oxford University and the University of Washington / eLife)

Being considered as a hot spot of infectious and emerging infectious diseases, the issue of strengthening the cooperation and capacity building in infectious diseases prevention and control of Greater Mekong Sub-region countries has become more and more crucial than ever. In the context of the complex infectious disease situation, from 26-27 December 2016 a workshop on “Emerging Infectious Diseases situation update and Preparedness and response for Zika” was organized in Ho Chi Minh City between Viet Nam, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia and China. With support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the workshop welcomed participants from the Departments of Preventive Medicine of the countries in the area and representatives from international agencies such as WHO, USCDC, PATH and USAID’s EPT-2 Preparedness and Response (P&R) project. The objectives of the workshop were to have a situation update on emerging infectious diseases, information sharing about disease caused by Zika virus, prevention and response to Zika, and enhancing collaboration between countries in the area.

According to data on virology, epidemiology and health systems of the countries, it has been concluded that the risk of widespread outbreaks of Zika disease is relatively low in the region. Despite the latest announcement from WHO, which advises that Zika is no longer an urgent public health matter worldwide, it still remains a heavy burden on the community. Therefore, countries should have a long-term strategy to cope with the disease, such as enhancing the effectiveness of monitoring activities, risk assessment and control of vectors, diagnostic testing, etc. This workshop was part of the duty specified in Joint Statement of the Asean Health Minister’s Special Video Conference on the Threat of Zika virus in the region dated 19 September 2016./.

(Edited based on information from GDPM and Public Health Deparment of HCMC)