USAID Responds to Asian Avian Flu Outbreak
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
2004-006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2004
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Agency for International Development announced today that it has provided $250,000 to the World Health Organization (WHO) to assist in the response to the current outbreak of avian influenza (the "bird flu") in Asia, and in particular efforts to address the possible transmission of the disease from poultry to humans.
USAID is supporting a wide-ranging preventive and regional approach to address further spreading of the disease, while increasing the capacity of local and regional organizations to assess, respond, and manage the crisis. The $250,000 that is being contributed to WHO will go toward the purchase of laboratory and personal protection equipment, enhanced surveillance, and increased WHO organizational capacity. The personal protection equipment will be used to help protect public health workers, hospital staff, and especially workers who are engaged in the culling of livestock. The laboratory equipment will ensure greater surveillance by improving the capacity to conduct rapid diagnostic techniques.
In addition to the $250,000 grant, USAID is providing personal protection equipment to Vietnam for distribution by WHO. The equipment includes manual sprayers to assist in decontaminating hospital rooms and equipment, as well as protective clothing, gloves, boot covers, and scrub and tub decontamination sets.
"USAID is very focused on containing the spread of this illness," said Tami Halmrast-Sanchez, USAID's Acting Director for the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance. "Our top priorities are to work with the WHO and our other government and international partners to support efforts both to prevent the spread and increase the ability of affected countries to manage the situation."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, outbreaks of the avian influenza have been confirmed among poultry in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. In addition, outbreaks of the "bird flu" have resulted in human infection in Vietnam and Thailand. USAID is continuing to follow reports of human avian flu across Asia and its potential to mutate and be transferred to and among humans.
USAID regional advisors are in contact with regional posts to monitor this evolving situation. USAID will continue to act in concert with other U.S. government agencies and international organizations to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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