A field simulation exercise against avian influenza A sub-types H5N1 and H7N9 in humans was held in the northern province of Thai Binh on April 13.

The drill was conducted under the scenario in which bird flu outbreaks in many communes across the province. A large number of people showed symptoms of the disease while the province’s General Hospital was overloaded.

Co-organised by the provincial Health Department and the Vietnam Avian and Human Influenza Control and Preparedness Project (VAHIP), the exercise aimed to raise the response capacity of competent agencies and health workers in case of any bird flu pandemic.

2004 marks the seventh year Thai Binh has received and implemented VAHIP projects. The province is a key national flu control point at three communal, district and provincial levels.

In 2009, the province recorded over 3,400 cases of H1N1 swine flu in about half of its communes. Thanks to its rapid and sound response, no fatality was reported./.