The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has granted $300,000 to help Vietnam carry out a project on combating avian and human influenza from now up to mid-2013. The project, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), will be implemented in nine high-risk localities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Can Tho, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Tri and Lang Son. The project is aimed at improving management efficiency of the national health system and ensuring more equal access to medical services for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. It will also boost knowledge administration and information exchange as well as create a favorable environment for strategic discussions on avian influenza and possible epidemics. Notably, the project will help boost the implementation of the Integrated National Action Program on Avian Influenza, Pandemic Preparedness and Other Emerging Infectious Diseases (AIPED) in the 2011-2015 period. At least 14 provinces nationwide have reported reoccurrences of the bird flu virus so far this year. The disease has infested nearly 66,500 chickens and ducks, mainly in northern and central provinces. Vietnam has been one of the countries seriously hit by the A/H5N1 virus or bird flu. By March 2012, the country recorded 119 human infections, including 59 deaths, making up 23% and 19% of the world’s total cases, respectively. Earlier, the Ministry of Health started the final stage of the A/H5N1 flu vaccine test in humans with the aim to produce it massively in 2013. (Vietnamplus.vn May 20, Dai Bieu Nhan Dan – People’s Deputies May 20)
