SAARC experts discuss setting up epidemiology network

Seeking to establish a SAARC epidemiology network and regional disease information system, veterinary experts from SAARC countries including India have discussed ways to deal with disease prevention and control mechanisms in the South Asian region.
Attended by around 18 veterinary epidemiologists and animal health officers from the member countries, the "Regional Epidemiology Networking Workshop" held at Paro here aims at enhancing the epidemiological capacity to deal with the transmitted animal diseases which is a concern at the regional level.
The seven SAARC members are India, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
The workshop also held discussions on the major developments in epidemiological capacities and its intervention strategies for effectiveness while also sharing the experiences of the member countries regarding the Highly Pathogenic and Emerging Diseases (HPEDs), trans-boundary animal diseases (TADs) and health programmes.

The terms of reference including mandates, mechanisms and action plan for initiating the SAARC-EpiNet and standard operating procedures for sharing disease information among the SAARC member countries was also drafted, Somsak Pipoppinyo, FAO representative for Nepal and Bhutan said.
The workshop, which ends today was organised by the Regional Epidemiology Centre based at Regional Support Unit in collaboration with the Department of Livestock, Bhutan with fund support from the European Union.