Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World” Explores Emerging Infectious Diseases and Pandemic Risks
HANOI, December 7, 2020 – Today, Ambassador Kritenbrink, together with Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health, and Dr. Ta Thanh Van, President Hanoi Medical University, opened the Smithsonian Institution’s “Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World” Exhibition at Hanoi Medical University.
The exhibition is a customizable “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) version of a larger display at the U.S. National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. The exhibition highlights how pathogens can spread to people from wildlife and livestock, why some outbreaks become epidemics and how human, animal and environmental health are connected as “One Health.” “Outbreak DIY” includes pre-designed and template panels. The exhibition covers topics such as Tuberculosis and Covid-19. The University will host this exhibition for one week (December 7-14, 2020).
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Kritenbrink said, “This Outbreak exhibit, kindly hosted by Hanoi Medical University, marks the 25th anniversary of collaboration between our countries, and reminds us how the United States, Vietnam, and all countries of the world must work together to meet the continuing challenge of infectious diseases. Vietnam has risen to this challenge in stopping the spread of COVID-19, but we will certainly face new outbreak threats in the future. The United States will continue to stand together with Vietnam in meeting the challenge.”
More than 100 venues in over 30 countries have displayed “Outbreak DIY,” including universities, libraries, hospitals, airports, embassies, community centers and museums. It is available in multiple languages, including Vietnamese, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History is one of the most-visited natural history museums in the world. “Outbreak” opened at the museum May 18, 2018, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1918 influenza pandemic, and will remain on view until 2021.
To view photos of the event, visit: https://www.flickr.com/gp/usaid_vietnam/i48n8S
