ANMC21 is a cooperative effort between major cities and capitals in Asia to solve problems faced by large cities. This article focuses on one such project, Countermeasures to Combat Infectious Diseases in Asia.
Conference on Countermeasures to Combat Infectious Diseases in Asia Project and Conference on Joint Research and Survey was held.
This project shares the knowledge and experience of Asian cities in combating disease, forming a constant network of specialists (doctors, researchers, etc.) to transcend nationality and take immediate action against the spread of diseases, seeking for each city to incorporate conferences, training, and coordinated testing and research.
A presentation takes place
From February 2nd to 4th 2010, the Conference on Countermeasures to Combat Infectious Diseases in Asia Project and Conference on Joint Research and Survey was held with the participation of Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta, Taipei, and Tokyo.
During the conference, participating cities described their efforts to combat the new influenza virus, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, with WHO Western Pacific Regional Office medical officer Satoko Ohtsu giving the keynote speech and providing medical leadership. Progress reports were made for the testing and research project on tuberculosis that began in 2009, with discussion around upcoming analysis and the concluding actions. The main results are as listed below.
The weather was cold during the conference, with snow falling on some days. Some of those from the warmer regions of Asia were greeted by the sight of real snow for the first time. In addition to the results of the conference itself, the event acted as a significant exchange where members gained the chance to learn about the weather, culture, and customs of other cities.
1. Countermeasures Against New Influenza
*After reports from each city were made on countermeasures for the H1N1 pandemic, Dr. Ohtsu participated in a discussion on usage of anti-viral medicine and vaccination. The sanitary importance of hand-washing was affirmed, and methods of spreading awareness of hand-washing were shared.
*Being the site of the most worldwide infections and deaths from avian flu, Jakarta representatives shared information on outbreaks of avian flu and the countermeasures taken, proving informative to cities that have little contact with avian flu.
*Although methods for surveillance of disease differ among cities, the importance of the method itself was confirmed in regards to the prevention of future outbreaks.
2. Countermeasures Against HIV/AIDS
*Bangkok representatives reported on complications from tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and shared opinions on unified treatment issues.
*Provision of information to young people was a theme discussed by all cities, with information provided on methods of reaching young people.
3. Coordinated Testing and Research on Tuberculosis
*According to the estimates of the WHO, the worldwide 11 million infected and 1.3 million dead* from tuberculosis are centered particularly in Asia, which was the subject of much discussion from each city at the conference. A three-year Joint Research and Survey is being carried out.
*With each city's reports on the progress of testing, future direction and focus was discussed, with the incorporation of tuberculosis care center mapping and creation of a tuberculosis patient pathway (tuberculosis care process chart) agreed to be completed in 2011.
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