The past few decades have seen emerging infectious diseases arrive with greater frequency and with more virulence, with the Asia Pacific region becoming an epicenter for a number of potential epidemics.
The most recent outbreaks – severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and avian influenza A(H5N1) – have also heightened awareness about the economic impact of emerging diseases. SARS slowed economic growth in some affected countries, while bird flu has hurt the poultry industry in parts of South-East Asia.
The Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases is a road map for countries in the region to strengthen core capacities required for effective preparedness planning, prevention, surveillance, containment and control of emerging infectious diseases.
“Infectious diseases do not respect international borders,” said Dr Shigeru Omi, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “Global partnerships and the rapid sharing of information enhance preparedness and evidence-based control strategies.”