Australia Supports AUD3Mln to Avian Influenza in Vietnam

Australia will provide AUD3 million to Vietnam to help the country combat Avian Influenza and other infectious diseases, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced on October 25, in Hanoi.

 

‘Like many countries in the Asia Pacific, Vietnam is at risk of emerging diseases such as SARS and Avian Influenza and health authorities fear it could be at the centre of a major pandemic,’ Mr. Billson said. This new funding, though AusAID, the Australian Government’s overseas aid agency, will help Vietnam strengthen its ability to manage public health emergencies, with a particular focus on Avian Influenza.

 

‘Part of Australia’s support will be delivered through a joint program managed by three UN agencies – the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the UN Development Program (UNDP) – in partnership with the National Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Control and Prevention,’ Mr. Billson said.

 

‘The program will support the preparation and implementation of a national human epidemic preparedness plan, build Vietnam’s capacity to detect, diagnose, monitor and control outbreaks of diseases and strengthen surveillance for early detection and control of recurrent outbreaks in animals.

 

Vietnam has the highest rate if Avian Influenza infection and the largest number of transmissions to humans so far with the WHO confirming 91 human cases as of 24 October 2005.