This Memorandum of Understanding is entered into by the
Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Republic of China
(Taiwan), and the Ministry of Health, Republic of Palau,
(hereafter referred to as "the parties), for the purposes of
furthering cooperation and collaboration between the parties and
fostering information exchange concerning avian influenza and
its related matters.

The two parties agree to cooperate on equal and reciprocal
terms. A more detailed Cooperation program can be arranged
further.

1. Aims
(a) To ensure that there is adequate exchange of information on
avian influenza prevention and control to the benefit of
both parties;
(b) To promote the strengths of each party in training and
research development.

2. Program
(a) Information exchange - to develop programs for information
exchange through surveillance and laboratory diagnosis data
reports, workshops and conferences.
(b) Exchange of visits - to facilitate collaborations on avian
influenza control policy, laboratory diagnosis, laboratory
quality control and cases investigation, between specialists
in the related disciplines in their competence, subject to
the laws, regulations and/or travel advisories or
restrictions in force in the two countries and subject to
financial limitations of each party.
(c) International research programs - to promote research
corporate plans for related projects in both countries, the
objectives being to enhance research capabilities of
scientists, develop international collaborative platforms,
and enable full participation in international avian
influenza programs.

3. Financial Responsibilities
(a) Each party shall determine the affordability of the annual
agreement of collaborations.
(b) Each party is responsible for its own expenses for the above
collaboration.
(c) Each party will bear the travel expenses of its staff during
exchange programs and visits.

4. Implementation and Collaboration
(a) This Memorandum of Understanding will be implemented
directly between the Department of Health, Executive Yuan,
Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Ministry of Health,
Republic of Palau. Each party will designate competent
Agencies as contact points (Taiwan CDC and Palau Ministry of
Health - Emergency Program are hereby so designated by the
parties) to enhance Information-sharing between two parties
in the fight against the threat of avian and pandemic
influenza and other diseases that may constitute a public
health Emergency of international concern.
(b) A bilateral meeting will be held to develop and review the
joint research grogram annually.

5. Validity
The Memorandum of Understanding shall enter into force upon
signature and remain Effective till terminated by either
party upon 7 days prior notice in writing to other party.
This Memorandum of Understanding may be modified by written
agreement between the parties.


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Dr. Sheng-Mou Hou Dr. Victor M. Yano
Minister, Department of Health Minister, Ministry of Health
Executive Yuan Republic of Palau


Date: Date:
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