Asia PR News

PERTH, Mar. 29/Medianet International-AsiaNet/ –

Curtin University of Technology staff are mourning the loss of one of their
own with the sudden death of Professor Aileen Plant in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket expressed her deep sadness
on the loss of Professor Plant, a medical epidemiologist internationally
recognised and awarded for her work in controlling infectious disease
outbreaks, especially SARS.

“On behalf of the Curtin community I send our deepest sympathy to Professor
Plant’s family and all those who loved and admired her,” she said.

Professor Plant was one of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) leading
experts in outbreak investigation as well as a professor of international
health at Curtin.

“Among her many roles she was a member of the National Influenza Pandemic
Action Committee chairing its Research Committee, and a member of the Expert
Advisory Group for the Chief Medical Officer for Australia,” Professor Hacket
said..

At the height of the SARS epidemic Professor Plant was invited by WHO to
lead its investigation in Vietnam.

At great personal risk Professor Plant and the WHO medical investigation
team in Hanoi worked tirelessly on identifying SARS and developing a successful
method for controlling the deadly virus.

Her leadership during the SARS epidemic was recognised by the Vietnamese
Government in 2003 when she was awarded the National Medal of Honour.

Professor Hacket said Professor Plant was a leader in her field and a person
of great compassion.

“Professor Plant was passionate about her work and travelled extensively to
help people and countries in need of her expertise.

“She was committed to highlighting the importance of modern infectious
disease control and educating people about its importance by working with
students, staff and academic colleagues.

“Her premature passing is a great loss to health in Australia.”

Contact: Sally Rowe,
Public Relations,
Curtin University of Technology,
T: +618-9266-2793, +61401-103-373,
E: s.rowe@curtin.edu.au

CRICOS provider code: 00301J

Source: Curtin University of Technology