The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has granted 4,000 sets of personal protective equipment to help Vietnamese animal health workers raise capacity in preventing possible animal diseases, according to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. The devices totaling $50,000 aim to help domestic animal health workers respond quickly to potential new outbreaks of avian influenza, infectious disease and other emerging pandemic threats. The supplies, including 1,000 masks, 1,000 goggles and 4,000 gloves, are being sent to regional centers and provinces nationwide, which are at high risk of bird flu. Since 2005, the USAID has funded over $50 million and given more than 64,000 complete sets of personal protective equipment for Vietnam’s programs on combating avian influenza. (vov.vn Nov 11)
