International Conference on Dengue Prevention and Control Kicks off at NCKU

TAINAN, Taiwan

The International Conference on Dengue Prevention and Control kicked off at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Tainan, Taiwan, on December 7, with dengue experts from 12 countries to strengthen regional capacity to respond to dengue threats and ensure global health security.

Minister Been-Huang Chiang of Health and Welfare said at the opening ceremony that the dengue fever outbreak is severe this year in the southern part of Taiwan, especially in Tainan and gladly the outbreak has stopped under the lead of Mayor Ching-Te Lai.

The international cooperation and assistance is very important to fight against epidemic disease, according to Minister Chiang.

Acting Director of American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Robert W. Forden said, “This is the second event to be held under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) which supports the cooperation between the USA and Taiwan.”

Under threat from climate change and expanding geographical range posing new challenges to healthcare workers and public officials, Forden said “Today’s course aims to help the authorities and private sections around the region respond to the outbreak of dengue fever.”

He also said, “Taiwan suffered its worst dengue fever outbreak in many years of summer and fall, this experience has been shared elsewhere around the world.”

Professor Scott O’Neill, dean of science at Monash University, who led the Eliminate Dengue Program in Australia, introduced the innovative approach to prevent dengue transmission using a bacterium called Wolbachia.

In addition, Professor Jonathan Schwartz from the State University of New York discussed the importance of community engagement in dengue prevention and control efforts.

Dr. Ching-len Liao, Director of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institute in Taiwan, presented the development of dengue vaccine in Taiwan.

Director of the Division of Acute Infectious Diseases at Centers for Disease Control Dr. Chin-Hui Yang discussed the challenges facing the prevention and control of dengue in Taiwan.

Also, environmental and public health officials from 10 countries in the Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia regions were invited to participate in the conference to share the current dengue status and dengue control strategies in respective country.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151210006640/en/