The Osong Symposium on Infectious Diseases 2011

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

On behalf of the Korea National Institute of Health, I welcome all of you to the Osong Symposium on Infectious Diseases 2011 here in Seoul today. It is a great privilege and honor to meet such a distinguished group of top medical researchers and scientists with diverse expertise from the World as well as Korea. I would like to thank the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare for organizing this special event.

According to the World Health Organization, new influenza caused by the H1N1 virus killed more than 15,000 worldwide as of 2009. Many infectious diseases are emerging by the climate change worldwide. Tuberculosis also left long history related to the severe chronic diseases in Korea. The risk of emerging infectious diseases appears to be subsiding in Korea, with fewer cases reported in recent years. But globally the threat is here to stay with lingering concern over possible mutation of viruses and bacteria, and their growing resistance to the available drugs. Still we developed limited kinds of vaccines considering huge number of threatening pathogens.

We had a unique opportunity to discuss a spectrum of important topics regarding emerging infectious disease research. Such issues include: newly emerging and potentially threatening infectious pathogens, pandemic response strategies, and the future direction of infectious disease research and vaccine development. With our 20 distinguished guest speakers leading the discussions and over two hundred participating researchers and scientists, the symposium facilitated an important exchange of the most up-to-date information and fresh insight on infectious disease research. The symposium was also a timely opportunity to confront innovative concepts and practical solutions to infectious disease-related problems.

I would like to thank all for attending this important symposium. I believe it was an obligation of the science and medical communities to present the scientific basis that enables our society effectively address the threat of new and reemerging infectious diseases. Looking at all the excellent preparations, on top of both the well thought out agenda and the impressive expertise gathered here, I am convinced this symposium was surely productive. I congratulate the Korea National Institute of Health on the organization of this splendid event. Once again, I would like to thank all participants for taking time to join the symposium.

Thank you.