The Netherlands Commits US$1.2Mln to Support Vietnam Fight Avian Influenza
The Netherlands agreed to contribute one million euros (US$1.2 million) to support the United Nations-coordinated emergency preparedness programme against Avian Influenza in Vietnam.
“It is essential that Vietnam have a harmonised and effective strategy to combat Avian Influenza at local and national levels. It is also essential for donors to coordinate their efforts in order to support Vietnam in the most effective and efficient way,” said Dutch Ambassador, Mr. André Haspels. “The programme provides a single point to focus country-wide efforts, looking at both immediate actions and at long-term investment in the public health sector.”
Working directly in support of the Government efforts, the initiative, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will tackle not only the immediate emergency needs of the Government, but will build the capacity of the public health system so that in the longer term, Vietnam can manage future outbreaks caused by pathogenic organisms. UNDP will act as an administrative agent for the project, allowing donors to deal with a single agency.
“The UN in Vietnam is very happy to have the Netherlands join us as one of the first donors to contribute to the emergency phase of this programme to fight Avian Influenza. We will soon be able to announce the contributions of other countries ready to play a part in this plan,” said United Nations Resident Coordinator, Jordan Ryan. “This is an unpredictable virus that is spreading throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. We have reached a critical point, though we hope there is time to institute immediate measures to bring the situation under control in Vietnam and to avert a global pandemic.”
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Vietnamese
