A Close Up on Avian Influenza
Singapore’s first public Bird Flu Symposium to showcase science behind disease prevention and control
Singapor (PRWEB) April 21, 2006
The Society of Bioscience and Technology and Temasek Junior College will jointly host a public symposium “A Close-Up on Avian Influenza” on Saturday, the 22nd April 2006 from 9am-1pm at the Auditorium, Temasek Junior College. Three regional experts will take the opportunity to discuss the recent outbreak of bird flu in Thailand, the risk of a similar event in Singapore and public health measures that must be taken for prevention and control of the disease.
Aimed at educating the business communities, interested public, bioscientists, students and educators, the educational event will highlight the origins of the bird flu virus and how it could evolve into a strain that spreads easily between humans, potentially causing a global flu pandemic.
Said President of the Bioscience Society, Patrick Tan, “We hope that the symposium will provide the public with an understanding of the nature of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Participants who attend this event will receive first-hand scientific information from experts in the field based on current developments in the research and epidemiological monitoring of HPAI.”
In response to a WHO call for preparedness, the MOH in Singapore has drafted a national strategy for detection, containment and control of the virus in the event of a pandemic. As one of the Symposium’s invited speakers, Dr Cutter will cover this topic in greater detail during his talk.
We would like to invite journalists to cover the symposium (see attached location map). Please confirm your attendance with:
Lim Choon Siong: 90309393
Benny Lee: 97830965
About the Speakers
Dr Thaweesak Songserm is a veterinary pathologist at Kasetsart University, Thailand. He has received the prestigious Thai Research Fund (TRF) award in recognition for his studies on the H5N1 virus’ resistance to vaccines and other treatments. Dr Songserm will speak on “The Avian influenza outbreak in Thailand: Pathology and Pathogenesis”.
Dr Alongkorn Amonsin is a veterinary researcher at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. As a molecular biologist, Dr Amonsin is investigating the transmission of H5N1 from birds to their natural predators, such as tigers and leopards. The subject of Dr Amonsin’s talk will be “Molecular Epidemiology of Avian influenza (H5N1)”.
Dr Jeffery Cutter is Deputy Director (Policy) of the Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore. As such, Dr Cutter oversees public health policies governing preparedness, prevention and control of major infectious diseases in Singapore and would be responsible for coordinating a public health response to a Singapore outbreak of bird flu. Dr Cutter will talk about “Preparing for the next flu pandemic”.
About the Society of Bioscience and Technology
The Society of Bioscience and Technology is a ROS-registered, not-for-profit organization that was established in 2004 to promote the growth, development and public communication of the Life Sciences within Singapore. The Society serves as a consultative body in the active promotion of entrepreneurship in the biosciences and on matters of public and professional interests relevant to the life sciences.
About Temasek Junior College
As the second Government junior college in Singapore, Temasek Junior College is one of the nation-state’s premier educational institutes. It prides itself on providing a holistic education that encourages rigorous intellectual discourse and nurtures strength of character in its students.
About Biosafe International Pte Ltd
BIOSAFE INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD is an independent, technology-based emerging growth company focused in biotechnology and biochemical products. We focus on the product development, marketing and sales of antimicrobial products via a strategic alliance with Pure Bioscience, U. S.A., a company that owns the new antimicrobial technology “Axenohl™” which is a revolutionary alternative to conventional sanitizers, disinfectants or biocides.
Axenohl based disinfectant sets a new industrial standard, delivers improved, faster and safer disinfecting power. Bioefficacy claims for Axenohl include a 30-second kill time on standard indicator bacteria; a 24-hour residual kill on standard indicator bacteria; a 2-minute kill time on the resistant strains of bacteria, MRSA and VRE; a 10-minute kill time on fungi; a 30-second kill time on HIV Type I and a 10-minute kill time on other certain viruses. These claims therefore, distinguish the bioefficacy of Axenohl from many leading commercial and consumer products that are available in the current market. Furthermore, Axenohl maintains the lowest toxicity ratings and has extensive applications. The market potential of Axenohl technology exceeds beyond EPA applications into human healthcare treatments.
About Leeward Pacific Pte Ltd
LEEWARD PACIFIC PTE LTD is a Singapore-based company whose core business is in Commodity Trading. Over the years, the company has supported major cultural events and the SCO (Singapore Chinese Orchestra) as well as local educational seminars and scientific research work.
For more information, please contact:
Lim Choon Siong
Hon. Secretary
58 Tras Street, #02-01
Singapore 078997
Tel/Fax: +65 6451 5491
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