Asean plus three to boost antiviral stockpile.

Byline: The Nation.

No target mentioned; Japan agrees to donate 500,000 doses if virus spreads

Health ministers from Asean and its dialogue partners from China, Japan and South Korea yesterday agreed to boost the stockpile of antiviral medicine and protective equipment to fight the deadly influenza Type A (H1N1).

A joint ministerial statement, issued after a special meeting in Bangkok, said the grouping "should assess the potential need for and increase national stockpiling of antiviral and other essential medicines, medical supplies and personal protective equipment to the level necessary for effective response in view of the dynamics of the …