A US Embassy press release said the grant from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will be used by the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) to develop a pandemic influenza preparedness and response plan and provide training for civil society organizations active in the country.
The civil society support activity complements government priorities and plans in pandemic influenza preparedness and response to minimize preventable deaths and illnesses, and lessen the impact of a potential pandemic, it said.
The one-year project, carried out in partnership with national authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), is expected to enhance Vietnam’s ability to respond to community needs during an influenza pandemic in the areas of health, food security and livelihoods.
The project will support effective coordination between governmental and United Nations agencies, mass organizations, and NGOs.
Since 2005, the US Government has provided more than $33.5 million to support Vietnam’s programs to combat avian and pandemic influenza, the press release sad.
