World Health Organization (WHO) H5 Reference Laboratory
The Centre of Influenza Research at HKU is one of 12 laboratories worldwide designated as a WHO H5 reference laboratory. Its mandate is to provide international reference laboratory services and training onH5 and other animal influenza viruses with zoonotic potential, to provide WHO with data and risk assessment relevant to such zoonotic threats and advice on selection of relevant viruses for pre-pandemic vaccine development. As part of these responsibilities the HKU laboratory takes part in the twice yearly WHO influenza vaccine strain selection meetings. Over the years the HKU laboratory was involved in providing assistance and training to countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.