On July 1-2, 2008 at 9.00 a.m., in the Park Inn Hotel (Dan Ulduzu Room), USAID will host a National Integrated Desktop Simulation Exercise Seminar for Avian Influenza.  This seminar is organized by the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, in collaboration with FAO, WHO, UK health Protection Agency and funded by USAID/Washington.

Speaking at the event will be Mrs. Anne Derse, US Ambassador; Mr. Ismet Abbasov, Minister of Agriculture (TBD); Ogtay Shiraliyev, Minister of Health (TBD) and representatives from the Ministries of Emergency Situations, Ecology and natural Resources, Internal Affairs and the State Customs Committee at both national and local levels.

The purpose of the event is to enhance country preparedness and capacity to face outbreaks of Avian Influenza in animal and human populations. The anticipated outcome is to identify the strengths, weaknesses and gaps in the draft “Integrated Action Plan on Prevention and Liquidation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.”

Participants will have an opportunity to explore the roles and responsibilities of: 1) veterinary and human health sectors; 2) media and public communications; 3) lines of communication between local and central authorities; 4) data gathering and surveillance; operational measures in containing an outbreak; 5) reporting to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for animal cases and WHO, etc.

All media representatives are invited to the event.

For more information please contact Aybeniz Ganjaliyeva at (050) 2240776; 012 994 124981835-ext. 207.

USAID has invested $284 million in Azerbaijan since 1992. USAID-funded projects are designed to support enhanced macroeconomic stability; improved public expenditure efficiency; improved financial sector linkages for the micro, small and medium enterprises sectors; strengthened enterprise competitiveness; improved health care service delivery; strengthened democratic processes; and robust civil society institutions.