Viet Nam has been one of the worst-affected countries by the current highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) panzootic. There have been three main waves of outbreaks in poultry since late 2003, with 93 confirmed human cases and 42 deaths. The most recent human case was reported in mid-November 2005.

Viet Nam has responded strongly with efforts to control the virus, under the supervision of a high-level Government steering committee . Key elements of the national response are outlined in Viet Nam's integrated national plan and work programme for avian and human influenza and in the national pandemic preparedness plan.

Viet Nam is working closely with the international community including technical agencies including FAO, WHO and OIE. International donors have committed around US$50 million to support Viet Nam's efforts to fight avian influenza so far.

These efforts have achieved significant results, with no poultry outbreak reported since mid-December 2005. However, there remains a high risk that the virus could return to poultry and again pose a threat to humans.

Avian influenza, Viet Nam's response and international cooperation