Message from the Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister of Health
Global Pandemic Readiness: An International Meeting of Ministers of Health
Experts worldwide have identified pandemic influenza as a growing public health threat. Given this urgency and the evolving and global nature of this emerging threat, it is essential that the international community work strategically and collaboratively on priority actions and policies.
On October 24th and 25th, 2005, Canada will host an international meeting of Ministers of Health and key international organizations, to enhance global collaboration and coordination in advance of a possible influenza pandemic. The meeting will focus on four key issues: enhancing inter-sectoral collaboration on the animal-human health interface; improved surveillance and capacity building; vaccine and antiviral development and access; and risk communications and assessment.
This meeting will complement and help to advance a number of important global initiatives, including the areas of key priorities identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), World Organization for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Some of the global initiatives include the WHO Global Influenza Preparedness Plan, and the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza recently announced by the United States. It has also been scheduled in advance of the WHO's Partnership meeting to take place in Geneva in November.
Canada has developed a comprehensive Pandemic Influenza Plan. We have a responsibility to work beyond our borders and engage the international community. By calling for and hosting this Meeting, Canada is encouraging all countries and international health organizations to work together to reduce the threat of emerging infectious diseases.
The time has come to accelerate international cooperation. As Minister of Health, I look forward to a successful and productive meeting that will help us meet that goal.
The Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh
Minister of Health
|
