U.S. Speaker on Avian Influenza: Timely Program in Nepal

May 3, 2009

U.S. Speaker Daniel C. Rutz, Associate Director of Communications Science, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Atlanta, GA, shared his knowledge on public communication and its importance when discussing infectious diseases, such as Avian Influenza and H1N1 viruses. He discussed the basics of influenza and how effective communication with the public plays an important role during a pandemic, emphasizing preparedness.

During his visit he spoke with the Director General of Nepal Government’s Ministry of Health, Epidemiology Disease Control Division, Department of Livestock Sciences, and UN agencies in Nepal working on pandemic influenza preparedness. Mr. Rutz also visited various market places in Kathmandu to get an idea about local market procedures on hygiene and management.