(CPV) – As many as 4,000 sets of personal protective equipment to help animal health workers respond quickly to potential new outbreaks of avian influenza, infectious disease and other emerging pandemic threats will be transferred to Vietnam by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
This assistance package comes at the request of Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
These supplies are (valued at USD50,000) being sent to regional centers and provinces throughout the country most at risk of bird flu or in greatest need of the supplies, which also include 1,000 masks, 1,000 goggles and 4,000 gloves.
“This equipment provides critical protection for those working on the frontlines of avian influenza and pandemic outbreaks. If these workers remain healthy, they will be able to prevent and respond to emerging threats and outbreaks and ultimately protect the health of us all”, said USAID Mission Director, Mr Joakim Parker.
As Vietnam readies for the upcoming flu season, the gear will prevent human exposure to the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus and other emerging infectious diseases by limiting the risk of animal-to-human and human-to-human infections during outbreak investigations and response, human case detection and treatment, as well as other activities.
Since 2005, USAID has provided over USD50 million in support of Vietnam’s programs to combat avian influenza, including more than 64,000 complete sets of personal protective equipment./.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
