Azerbaijan Strengthens Response to Avian Influenza
On July 1-2, 2008, USAID hosted a National Integrated Desktop Simulation Exercise Seminar for Avian Influenza (AI) to enhance Azerbaijan’s preparedness and capacity to face AI outbreaks in animal and human populations.
Participants were charged with identifying the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the draft “Integrated Action Plan on Prevention and Liquidation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza” and explored key roles and responsibilities in terms of the veterinary and human health sectors; media and public communications; communications between local and central government authorities; data gathering and surveillance; outbreak containment; and reporting of animal cases to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and World Health Organization (WHO).
The USAID-funded event was organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministries of Agriculture and Health, in collaboration with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, WHO, and the United Kingdom Health Protection Agency. Speakers at the event included U.S. Ambassador Anne Derse; Minister of Agriculture Ismet Abbasov, and representatives from Azerbaijan’s Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Emergency Situations, Ecology and natural Resources, Internal Affairs, and the State Customs Committee.
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