The World Health Organisation (WHO), together with other international organizations, is willing to help Vietnam prevent and control avian influenza A/H7N9.

A WHO representative, Babatunde Olowokure, made the pledge at a conference in Hanoi on May 6 to mobilise resources for the fight against the new strain of avian influenza, which has so far claimed 27 lives in China.

At the conference hosted by the Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Rural Development, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said Vietnam is deeply concerned about the high risk of H7N9 influenza spreading into the country as it shares a long borderline with China.

Vietnam is taking drastic preventive measures, including preparing medical equipment and facilities as well as human resources for the fight against this new dangerous type of virus, the health official added.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Vu Van Tam affirmed that no H7N9 infections have been reported in Vietnam so far, but the threat cannot be ruled out. That was the reason why the conference was held to seek more assistance from the international community in getting prepared for the worst situation.

The conference also discussed activities that should be given priority and defined areas in need of technical and financial support in order to strengthen the country’s capacity in preventing and fighting avian influenza A(H7N9) in the future.-VNA