The event was part of the Institute's broader campaign to inform the rural population regarding the protection measures against avian influenza, which has been sponsored by the Agricultural Bank of Greece. During the campaign the Institute's staff and public health experts visit rural areas in Greece providing practical information and guidelines for the protection against avian influenza to rural populations and local authorities. Moreover, leaflets, which were specially designed by the famous Greek artist Stathis, are being distributed. 

During the press conference, the Institute presented the informational material that was developed as the result of the European project "ECORAIP – European Content for Public Health Awareness of Rural Population on Avian Influenza Prevention" and proposed a set of guidelines for the prevention of avian influenza. 

Ass. Prof Athena Linos, President of the Institute, opened the event. She noted that farmers have a very important role in the protection of public health and stressed the need for prevention. "The medical community, both worldwide and in our country, has dealt with avian influenza in the past. Fortunately, Greece has not experienced any tragic consequences. The danger is still there, though, both for Greece and Europe. Therefore, prevention is absolutely necessary", Prof Linos underlined. 

Dr Agoritsa Baka, scientific collaborator of the University of Athens, talked about the specific characteristics of avian influenza and presented guidelines for the prevention of a potential avian influenza pandemic. "We all should be concerned about the problem, as among the 403 victims worldwide 252 are dead", pointed Dr Baka. 

The Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr Konstantinos Kiltidis and the Chairman of ATEbank, Mr Dimitris Miliakos, contributed with short speeches, as well. Mr Kiltidis and Mr Miliakos congratulated the Institute for such an initiative and expressed their commitment that both organizations will always support similar efforts that protect the health of the rural population and Greek people in general. 

For more information regarding the European Project "ECORAIP – European Content for Public Health Awareness of Rural Population on Avian Influenza Prevention", please visit its website www.ecoraip.eu.