The USAID warehouse in Bangkok can ship avian influenza protective equipment, decontamination kits and laboratory equipment to hotspots anywhere in Asia within 24 hours

USAID Opens Supply Center to Contain Bird Flu Outbreaks

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has opened a regional supply center in Thailand to combat outbreaks of avian influenza. Larger than a football field, the Bangkok warehouse can ship protective equipment, decontamination kits and laboratory equipment to hotspots anywhere in Asia within 24 hours rather than five or more days when materials were airlifted from the U.S.

This is the first of three regional centers being planned worldwide. It is stocked with nearly $550,000 worth of equipment, enough to safeguard thousands of animal- and human-health workers as they decontaminate potentially infected areas and care for suspected human cases.

The deadly H5N1 virus, which causes avian influenza, is a critical problem in Asia. Hundreds of millions of chickens and ducks have been culled or died from the disease, commonly called "bird flu," causing huge economic losses.

"Avian influenza is a major threat in Asia, where it has had an enormous impact on humans and poultry since its re-emergence in 2003," said Dr. John MacArthur, USAID’s regional infectious diseases team leader. "Outbreaks continue to occur throughout the region, heightening the risk that the H5N1 virus might mutate into a form that could be transmitted among humans resulting in a pandemic with immense social and economic costs."

People are rarely infected but the fatality rate is high, more than 60%, according to the U.N. World Health Organization (WHO). More than 370 people have been infected with the H5N1 virus worldwide, resulting in at least 235 deaths.

Flu pandemics routinely occur about every 35 years, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With today’s rapid transportation, a pandemic would likely spread faster than ever, potentially causing between four and 40 million deaths, the WHO says.

"With the opening of this regional distribution center, we will continue to protect the health and well-being of people in Asia," U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Eric G. John said. "This center, with its vast stockpiles and strategic location near Bangkok’s international airport, will help ensure that avian influenza outbreaks can be contained safely and efficiently."

FURTHER READING

• Regional Avian Influenza Program (187 KB PDF)

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