Public Health Agency of Canada

Published purpose

This project is a component of the Canada-Asia Regional Emerging Infectious Diseases (CAREID) Initiative. The CAREID initiative aims to both strengthen the capacity of selected national public health systems in South East Asia to detect and respond effectively to emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), and reinforce and enhance regional planning and response mechanisms. The goal of this component, implemented by the Public Health Agency of Canada, is to reduce the threat of EIDs, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and avian influenza, to help ensure better human security, regional stability, and sustainable development in Southeast Asia. The project involves strengthening regional and national capacity in EID surveillance and response and in epidemic preparedness. As a result, EIDs are expected to be detected promptly and contained effectively to minimize illness, death, and economic loss.