The seminar, with the participation of representatives from 36 ARF member countries and the World Health Organisation (WTO), aims to discuss the role of military-civilian cooperation in preventing infectious diseases such as SARS and bird flu, the nature and development of bird flu, and a disease warning system in the region.

Asso. Pro., Dr. Colonel Nguyen Xuan Thanh from the Ministry of Defence presented a report on Vietnam’s experiences in preventing infectious diseases and its military-civilian cooperation in preventing SARS and bird flu.

The seminar is part of the ASEAN Regional Forum approved by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs at the ARF meeting in Kuala Lumpur last July.