U.S. Combats Threat of Avian and Pandemic Influenza Abroad

The Department of State leads U.S. international engagement to combat the spread of avian influenza and to prepare for a possible human influenza pandemic. On July 17, the Homeland Security Council presented the first year progress report on the National Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, which noted the significant accomplishments of the State Department on all issues for which it is lead or co-lead under this plan. None of these goals could have been reached without the cooperation and support of other U.S. federal government entities and the more than 100 nations and 20 international and regional organizations that have come together through the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza.

The avian influenza virus has affected 60 nations, killing nearly 200 of the 300 humans infected and causing the deaths of millions of poultry. Our efforts to build international commitment to combat this threat have brought results. In 2006, international assistance pledges increased from $1.83 billion in January to $2.32 billion in December. The United States made the largest single country pledge, reaching $434 million by the end of 2006. We anticipate that further commitments will be forthcoming this year.