38 Quotes by Shigeru Omi

We need to realize that there is very little incentive for farmers to report suspected outbreaks,

While we still have a window of opportunity, we must do everything we can to avert an influenza pandemic as we simultaneously prepare for a worse-case scenario,

We have to step up improvement of the primitive farming practice in China's rural regions, especially the backyard feeding of chickens and ducks in many rural households.

We must try to ensure that we will be ready to respond instantly with all the weapons at our disposal should the early signs of an influenza pandemic appear. If we fail, the consequences for societies, economies and global public health could be immeasurable.

We must keep in mind that we are likely to encounter in the coming years many other new emerging diseases,

Unlike the influenza pandemics of the past, this time the world has been given a warning that one may be on its way.

We still believe it is possible to stop or delay a pandemic by implementing rapid containment measures very quickly.

We cannot kill all the chickens and ducks to prevent bird flu from spreading among them and to humans; therefore, we have to make sure the chickens, ducks and humans do not mingle together.

We know that implementing the convention will not be easy, as smoking is an ingrained habit in China, but the government has made clear its commitment to take action.