United Front Against Avian Influenza: Insights and Strategies from the Pasteur Network Asia-Pacific Symposium
The recent Avian Influenza Symposium 2024 in Phnom Penh brought together leading scientists, public health experts, and policymakers to address one of the most pressing zoonotic challenges of our time. Hosted by the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC), this milestone event was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling global health threats.
The event began with welcome remarks from His Excellency Prof. KOY Vanny, Secretary of State, representing the Minister of Health, H.E. Prof. CHHEANG Ra. Prof. André Spiegel, Director of IPC, underscored the institute’s commitment to public health and fostering global partnerships, while Dr. Rebecca Grais, Executive Director of the Pasteur Network, emphasized the role of collaboration in advancing research and public health responses. These opening speeches set the stage for a series of discussions focused on bridging science, policy, and practice.
Central to the symposium was the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. Prof. Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran and Dr. Erik Karlsson explored this holistic strategy, presenting innovative research and solutions to reduce the risk of zoonotic spillovers. Cambodian representatives from the National Animal Health and Production Research Institute (NAHPRI) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) shared insights into local impacts and prevention strategies, demonstrating how community-driven actions can align with broader global health objectives. Discussions also highlighted the Pasteur Network’s extensive collaborative research efforts. Dr. Erik Karlsson led a session identifying regulatory, ethical, and technical gaps in influenza research, advocating for cohesive strategies to advance scientific work. Prof. Leo Poon from HKU Pasteur shared advancements in surveillance techniques, while Dr. Amir Ghaemi from the Pasteur Institute in Iran emphasized flexible approaches to managing avian influenza in diverse ecosystems. Their insights were complemented by contributions from other experts, including Dr. Seungtaek Kim from Pasteur Korea, who discussed vaccine development, and Dr. Gary Wong from Pasteur Laos, who focused on the role of ecological monitoring.
In addition, Dr. Myrielle Dupont-Rouzeyrol, from Pasteur New Caledonia, linked avian influenza spread to climate change and migration patterns, while Assoc. Prof. Quang D. Pham from Pasteur Ho Chi Minh City and Dr. Hoang Thieu Le from Pasteur Nha Trang presented epidemiological trends and strategies tailored to tropical regions. Together, these presentations underscored the importance of regional collaboration and innovative solutions in addressing avian influenza.
Beyond presentations, the symposium featured interactive workshops designed to foster collaboration and tackle critical challenges in influenza research and implementation. Prof. Dhanasekaran, from Hong Kong University, explored tools and technologies to enhance surveillance and improve data sharing across regions. Another session focused on funders’ perspectives, offering valuable insights into aligning scientific initiatives with sustainable financial strategies. These workshops not only strengthened networks but also paved the way for actionable solutions to drive future progress.
The event concluded with a unified vision for advancing influenza research and prevention. Participants emphasized that while challenges remain, the partnerships formed and knowledge exchanged during the symposium provide a strong foundation for addressing avian influenza on both regional and global scales.
The symposium exemplified the Pasteur Network’s commitment to uniting diverse expertise and fostering innovation, ensuring a healthier future for all. A heartfelt thank you goes to all contributors for their dedication and insights. Together, we are making meaningful strides in the fight against avian influenza.