The Deputy PM informed Nabarro of Viet Nam's plan of action to face a possible avian influenza epidemic, and even a pandemic amongst human beings. He stressed that the Vietnamese government is aware of the high risk of an avian influenza epidemic, and human pandemic, and said Viet Nam considers it as a possible urgent situation.

The country has to focus on implementing its action plan systematically and effectively to prevent such an outbreak, said Dung, adding that, the Government is determined to make all efforts to prevent bird flu with a motto of mobilising every person, every household and the entire society to take part in the fight against bird flu. Although facing numerous difficulties, Viet Nam has decided to allocate funding to urgent needs, such as to purchase respirators, equipment for two labs and medicines, he said.

Deputy PM Dung proposed that the UN and other donors provide Viet Nam with financial, technical and consultative assistance. Viet Nam pledged to work closely with the UN and other international organisations, and be ready to share information and experiences in the fight against bird flu.

David Nabarro thanked Deputy PM Dung for his valuable information about Viet Nam's prevention work, and praised Viet Nam's efforts in fighting bird flu. According to David Nabarro, Viet Nam is a bright example of the prevention work, especially as it has mobilised all its resources and people to take part in the work.

He said it is time for the international community to express its strong support for Viet Nam's urgent action plan, and international organisations and donors from all nations should co-ordinate their activities to effectively prevent an epidemic.

The same day David Nabarro worked with Health Minister Tran Thi Trung Chien, who informed him about Viet Nam's plans, policies and measures to fight an outbreak of bird flu.

The Health Ministry plans to train medical and veterinary workers, strengthen medical stations and organise the fight against a possible epidemic in November, Chien said, adding that the ministry has worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in defining areas and localities at a high risk of bird flu outbreaks.

Minister Chien said that the UN should help high risk countries, including Viet Nam, and provide them with medical equipment, chemicals and protective equipment. She suggested the UN establish a hot line for countries to exchange information on their bird flu situations and their fight against the disease.

David Nabarro praised Viet Nam's preventive measures and action plan to prevent an outbreak of bird flu type A (H5N1) amongst human beings. He pledged to report to the UN Secretary General about Viet Nam's reasonable requests./.