OFFLU - An International Request for Help with Avian Influenza Issues

[sharon sanders]

Thanks to a friend of FT -



Dear Colleagues,

Following meetings of the Steering Committee of OFFLU (the OIE/FAO Network of expertise on Avian Influenza) I am writing to inform you that the structure of the network has undergone major revision. In agreement with the Director General of OIE and the Chief Veterinary Officer of FAO, we intend to dissolve the Scientific Committee and the wider group of collaborators to develop an open list of contributors to the Network. This open list will provide a regularly updated list of experts who are willing to put their areas of expertise at the disposal of the international scientific community.

The strategic agenda of OFFLU will be decided by the Steering Committee and implemented by an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will co-ordinate the scientific activities of the network through a series of specialist "ad hoc" working groups which may be asked to provide opinions or guidelines on specific topics, or to participate in scientific projects. I enclose for your information the makeup of the Steering and Executive Committees, together with the Objectives of OFFLU which have recently been updated.

The OIE Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres, and the FAO Reference Centres will continue to play a pivotal role in the network, however we recognise that there is a wider spread of expertise and the role of OFFLU is to ensure that this is used effectively to meet the global challenges presented by this disease. The OFFLU website will continue to be our principal communication tool. You are encouraged to contribute material to make this a useful and active portal, and also to visit the site regularly to maintain your awareness of current activities.

In order to facilitate the creation of an open list, please send a 250 word CV/resum? preceded by three key words summarizing the area of expertise and of interest, to the secretariat at offlu@izsvenezie.it. They will contact you in the event of a request to OFFLU for your areas of expertise.

Looking forward to your collaboration

Yours sincerely

STEVE EDWARDS
Chairman of the OFFLU Steering Committee
offlu@oie.int


http://www.offlu.net/Home/tabid/68/Default.aspx

 

[gsgs]

Re: OFFLU - An International Request for Help with Avian Influenza Issues

will those contributions be public ?

> The OFFLU website will continue to be our principal communication tool

the OFFLU website hadn't been very informative and useful in the past...

Maybe they can attach a discussion forum.
{in competition to flutrackers ;-) }

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: OFFLU - An International Request for Help with Avian Influenza Issues

FluTrackers offers OFFLU any assistance needed to facilitate a discussion forum or interactive web site.

We have many here who are now experienced in international mass communication and dissemination of information.

Please contact FT through the "Contact Us" button at the bottom of the main page.


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[Shannon Bennett]

Re: OFFLU - An International Request for Help with Avian Influenza Issues

It would be most interesting to know what kinds of expertise they are looking for? Data mining appears to be one area where we excel. Are they interested in this? We also have an excellent grasp of the big picture. It is far too easy to get lost in the minutia. Evaluating the constant barrage of information takes experience and time. Pattern recognition, cultural taboos, governmental obstruction, organizational limitations all play a role besides the obvious viral coat changes and geographical spread. And as Fla. specified above, we appear to be good at disseminating pertinent information to not only the public at large but, also to key players in the flu world. Too bad we can't get permanent funding to ensure we continue this critical service.

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: OFFLU - An International Request for Help with Avian Influenza Issues

TRAINING OFFERED BY IZSVE - Padua
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TCP: TRAINING AND COOPERATION PROGRAMME
TCP ? un progetto di training e cooperazione internazionale coordinato dall?IZSVe in collaborazione con la FAO, che ha come obiettivo la formazione di operatori sanitari in grado di affrontare situazioni di emergenza.

Il progetto, che ? partito nel novembre 2005 e avr? la durata di 18 mesi, coinvolge 48 Paesi di tutto il mondo suddivisi in cinque grandi regioni: Europa dell?Est, Medio Oriente, Africa Settentrionale, Africa Orientale e Africa Occidentale.

Nei primi mesi si svolgeranno workshop mirati all?organizzazione del percorso formativo. I training sono diretti a personale selezionato di laboratori dei vari paesi coinvolti e saranno effettuati in 5 laboratori (uno per ogni area geografica) con durata di una settimana. Verranno presentate e insegnate le tecniche di laboratorio per la diagnostica dell?influenza aviaria ad alta patogenicit?.

I veterinari dell?Istituto che partecipano attivamente al progetto sono Giovanni Cattoli, Alessandro Cristalli e Paola De Benedictis. Per ogni training l?esperto dell?IZSVe sar? affiancato da 2-3 operatori tecnici qualificati del Laboratorio di virologia e da un local trainer, quale persona informata della situazione locale e in grado di ovviare ai problemi di lingua e comunicazione.

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http://www.izsvenezie.it/dnn/Default.aspx?tabid=412
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