Who Are We? - About APEIR

APEIR is built to develop a strong research network in Asia that generates 3M (multi-disciplinary, multi-sector and multi-country) collaborative researches and actions on EIDs based on ecohealth/onehealth concepts, and to facilitate communication and knowledge sharing among countries to reduce the threat of EIDs and its burden on these countries, especially on poor and marginalized groups in the region.

The network aims to accommodate, and facilitate the researchers with and within countries in order to support the activities on knowledge generation (i.e., through research), research capacity building (e.g., by coordinating multiple researchers in developing high-quality research proposals, planning and conducting joint research projects), and policy and social advocacy (e.g., by disseminating research results to policy makers) through the network and partnership.

APEIR is currently in its second phase, has three ongoing projects during 2013 to 2016:

1. Reducing Biosecurity Threats from Infectious Diseases with Pandemic Potential in Southeast Asia

This is a joint project between APEIR, MBDS, and ASEAN+3 FETN. The overall objective of the project is to strengthen regional capacity for understanding, preventing, preparing for, and responding to disease agents that have bioterrorism and/or pandemic potential in Southeast Asia.  This studies is supported by IDRC (International Development Research Center), Canada with Canada's Global Partnership Program (Canada GPP). 

This project will be part of the project for ASEAN, on “Enhancing the ASEAN Health Cooperation on Emerging Infectious Diseases and other Relevant Potential Threats” on strengthening capacity of regional network on diseases surveillance and outbreak Investigation that will be conducted by APEIR and MBDS.  In addition to this activity, this project will also serve as ASEAN + 3 Field Epidemiology Training Network (FETN)'s training activity.  CORDS will help facilitate APEIR and MBDS to the other networks in other regions.

This project also collaborates with the WHO and APL on the GPP-funded Project to “Strengthen Laboratory Capacity for Emerging and Dangerous Pathogens in the ASEAN region”, which will be led by Malaysia and Singapore.  The component on pandemic and risk assessment in ASEAN will be led by Philippines in collaboration with BioDiaspora.

2. Sustaining and Strengthening Capacity of Regional Networks and Partnership to Respond Emerging Infectious Diseases in Asia. 
This project, started in 2012, addresses knowledge generation, capacity building and policy advocacy.  The overall objective of this project is to strengthen networks on EID/ecohealth at regional and national levels in Asia.  This project is supported by IDRC (International Development Research Center), Canada. The research themes that will be covered in this phase of the project are:

1. An Ecohealth Approach to Develop a Strategy for the Prudent Use of Antimicrobials to Control Antimicrobial Resistance in Human, Animal and Environmental Health in Asia. 
   This is an antimicrobial research project which will be conducted in 5 countries (China, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam).  The objective of this study is to explore, develop, and assess the effectiveness of a strategy for the proper use of antimicrobials in humans and animals to control antimicrobial resistance in China and Southeast Asia.
2. Surveillance of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Wildlife Trade to Increase Awareness of Zoonoses Prevention and Wildlife Conservation  
   This is a wildlife trade-related study involving zoonoses prevention and wildlife conservation that will be conducted in Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam.  The obejctive of this study is to demonstrate the zoonoses situation in wildlife trade in the region, and to raise awareness for zoonoses prevention in wildlife trade in order to improve human and animal health, and to contribute to wildlife conservation effort.

Previous APEIR projects during its first phase (2006-2009) include the following

1. Forming Regional Network for Surveillance for Avian Influenza (AI) in Migratory Birds

Four countries (Thailand, China, Indonesia and Vietnam) conducted a study titled, “Forming regional network for surveillance and monitoring of Avian Influenza viruses in migratory birds”.  The general objective of the project is to enhance early detection and characterization of AI infection at a regional level, and to enhance early reporting in migratory birds through a coordinated surveillance network.

2.  Study on Socio-Economic Impact of AI Outbreak and Control Measures on Small Scale and Backyard Poultry

A social and economic impact research group was formed with the team members from China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand to work on the project entitled, "Socio-economic impact of HPAI outbreaks and control measures on small-scale and backyard poultry producers in Asia".  The main objective of the study is to inform the development of viable control strategies, and more equitable interventions to cope with AI, especially for particularly vulnerable households, by analyzing the socio-economic impacts of AI outbreaks, and AI control measures on backyard and small producers.

3. Characteristics and Dynamics of Backyard Chicken System in 5 Asian Countries

Five countries (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam) jointly conducted this study called, "Characteristics and dynamics of backyard poultry systems in 5 Asian countries in relations to reduce and manage Avian Influenza risks".

4. Policy Analysis for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness

Three countries (Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam) jointly worked on the project called, “Policy Analysis for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness”.  The objective of the study was to describe the policy making process regarding antiviral drugs and poultry vaccination.

5. The Effectiveness of the Control Measures of Avian Influenza

Four countries (China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam) jointly conducted the study entitled, "Studies on the effectiveness of Avian Influenza control measures in the Asian partnership countries".  The objective of this study was to evaluate factors contributing to the success of the prevention and control of Avian Influenza in the poultry sector within the four countries.

APEIR applies the 3-M approach, which is a multi-country, multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral approach to research focusing on regional priorities.  This is led and implemented by researchers and government officials from the region.  APEIR brings together representatives from more than 30 partner institutions (ex. research institutions, universities, ministry departments) to form an alliance to conduct research, mobilize knowledge, and advocate for policy and practice change in agriculture and public health.