USAID Supports New Avian Influenza Prevention Programs

Friday, April 10, 2009

HANOI, April 10, 2009 – The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has contributed $7.3 million in additional funding to support Vietnam’s efforts to combat avian and pandemic influenza.  The new assistance package was unveiled earlier this week in a project signing ceremony between Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the USAID implementing partner, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The agreements include a one-year extension of technical assistance to strengthen emergency preparedness for avian influenza to Vietnam to reduce the health risk to humans from avian influenza by controlling the disease in poultry.   A second project is a two-year research project with $4 million in U.S. government funding that will support Vietnam in developing a plan to move from mass vaccination to a longer-term, sustainable approach.

“With the valuable support from donors and tireless efforts by all the stakeholders, the epidemic is gradually being put under control,” said MARD Vice Minister Diep Kinh Tan. “However, risks of a recurrent outbreak of avian influenza in livestock and humans still exist, if we lack vigilance.”

“Vietnam recognizes the need to develop a long-term strategy focusing on improved poultry management practices,” said U.S. Ambassador Michael W. Michalak.  “Through the new research activity launched today and other activities, we will work closely with the government, other donors and international organizations to help authorities move from mass vaccination to a more sustainable avian influenza strategy.” 

The United States is the largest avian influenza donor in Vietnam, contributing $33.5 million between 2005 and 2008 to provide support to the Government of Vietnam for avian influenza prevention and control activities through USAID, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Of this amount, USAID has provided approximately $27.5 million. Additional avian influenza funding for 2009 is expected soon.

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