The near inevitability that influenza will explode into a pandemic in the coming few years has kept researchers searching for a way to prevent the worst effects of infection. The ultimate prize is a highly effective vaccine that could be produced and deployed rapidly.

In December, avian influenza broke out in three southern Vietnamese provinces. Although Vietnam has a record of acting quickly to halt outbreaks of the virus, this time, farmers were reluctant to inform the government, slowing containment efforts. Matt Steinglass has more from Hanoi.

Study will help international scientific community combat seasonal and avian flu strains

In order to control and prevent the recurrence of bird flu in Vietnam and the eruption of influenza A (H5N1) in humans, PM Nguyen Tấn Dũng issued in the afternoon of December 12 Note 2119/CD-TTg ordering competent agencies to take urgent measures against bird flu.

The World Bank is preparing a $15 million grant for Indonesia as part of a broad donor effort fight avian flu more effectively in the country.