TEHRAN (CHN) – The 16th Regional Planning Council (RPC) of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Meeting which was held from January 30-February 2, 2006 at the ECO Secretariat in Tehran, established a High Level Expert Group (HLEG) on health to be responsible for identifying activities and programs for regional cooperation in the field of health, population and reproductive health.

The meeting also approved the proposal of the Islamic Republic of Iran to host the 1st HLEG meeting to be focused on Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) on 12-13 March 2006 in Tehran.

It is expected that a high level official (deputy minister) from the Health Ministers of member states and one expert will participate in this important event.

Considering the possibility of spread of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the ECO region and infection of some member states with this pandemic disease, World Health Organization (WHO) regional representative in Tehran also proposed holding such a meeting at an early date and assured the secretariat of their full technical support for this event.