In response to current H5N1 outbreak, the Network organized a video conference to learn from previous experiences during H5N1 outbreak in 2004 and update on capacity on animal health lab in the region.

The event was well – attended by more than a hundred of participants from human health lab, animal health lab, key development partners.

Speakers: Dr. Malinee Chittaganpitch, RPHL Network Lab Expert and Dr. Filip Claes from FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

Highlights include:

• Sharing experiences on laboratory preparedness for H5N1 outbreak in Thailand in 2004
• The important roles of lab capacity and network strengthening by enhancing human resources skill, sharing protocols, guidelines and data
• Updating and verification of lab protocols/algorithm, specimen referral system and reporting system should be considered
• The laboratory network capability should be maintained/strengthened for any of future threat pathogens
• Collaboration and coordination between public and animal health labs is important