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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today applauded the
resolve of ASEAN's leaders to take extensive measures to control the outbreak of
SARS.
Public health experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) and elsewhere
have said that rigorous pre-departure screening of air passengers is an effective means of ensuring that SARS does not travel from one country to
another. It also reduces the risk of onboard transmission of the virus. IATA
has been advised by WHO that only five cases of probable transmission on
board an aircraft have occurred, and this was before implementation of screening procedures began.
Standardization is essential for screening processes to be effective. The
airline industry stands ready to assist governments in this process. "We
must avoid the post-September 11 situation where governments unilaterally
created a quagmire of uncoordinated regulation that has been rationalized
over time by working with the industry. We don't have the luxury of time so
we need to get the industry-government coordination right from the start,"
said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General.
The ASEAN leaders agreed to meet in the Philippines to further discuss
implementation of screening procedures at airports. Representing over 270
airlines, IATA offered its assistance and experience to the governments of
ASEAN in this important initiative.
"Governments and industry must work closely. The public health officials
are expert on what needs to be done. Airlines and airports stand ready to
ensure that the implementation of procedures is both efficient and effective,"
said Bisignani. |
