President's foreword

On behalf of the European Scientific Working group on Influenza (ESWI), I am pleased to invite you to the Third European Influenza Conference, which will take place in Vilamoura, Portugal, 14-17 September 2008.

Being the largest European scientific conference entirely devoted to influenza, the Third European Influenza Conference will provide comprehensive scientific coverage of all disciplines involved in influenza prevention, control and treatment.

Beyond science are the public health burden of epidemic influenza and the potentially devastating impact of pandemic influenza. Communication and collaboration between scientists, policy makers and healthcare professionals will significantly reduce the burden of influenza. Thus, the conference will have clearly delineated sessions and workshops for government representatives and opinion leaders in healthcare work.

The Organizing Committee believes that the conference programme will encourage interactions among representatives of various disciplines.

A.D.M.E. Osterhaus,

ESWI President
Conference Chair