US provides US$800,000 for epidemics prevention
(VOV) - The US has provided Vietnam US$800,000 in aid to reduce threats to public health from avian and pandemic influenza (API).
The funds will be used to implement a project entitled “Strengthening Capacity for the Implementation of One Health in Vietnam” from now to September 2015 in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Ministry of Health (MOH).
USAID Mission Director Joakim Parker said Vietnam is located in a relatively high-risk region for emerging infectious diseases. He noted the recent detection of the deadly bird flu virus strain A/H7N9 in neighboring China underscores the seriousness of the threat to public health.
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These types of emerging health threats accentuate the need by USAID, and its partners like the United Nations in Vietnam, for greater coordination between sectors and agencies to address the impact on health and corollary issues such as economic development.
The project contributes to the development of a revised and improved model for combating avian and pandemic influenza as well as other emerging infectious diseases, Parker said.
It will also buttress a national policy of improving dialogue and knowledge sharing with Vietnam in regional and international networks, and support Vietnam in raising its image for dealing with pandemic threats.