World Bank Plans For Second Bird Flu Operation In Vietnam
Bernama, 17 Nov 2006

BANGKOK, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- The World Bank is now planning a second phase operation to assist Vietnam overcome the reoccurrence of the deadly avian influenza or bird flu that saw more than 45 million birds killed or culled in just three months in 2004 in the country.

Laurent Msellati, the World Bank Manager, Portfolio and Operations in Vietnam said the new programme would be a move from the short term responses to the more medium term consolidation phase.

In a statement released by the bank, he said within three months of the avian influenza outbreak in Vietnam, the World Bank had a project prepared to help the Government of Vietnam quickly respond as more than 57 provinces out of 64 were affected.

"At that stage, it was really an animal health issue. We supported Vietnam through improved diagnostic facilities and   improved   surveillance    systems

and also worked with the government on bio-security measures and on public awareness and information," he said.

A veterinarian by training, Msellati said the new plan would include funding for a more targeted vaccination campaign for a third round in about 33 provinces, as well as surveillance in what's called the hot spots like live bird markets or areas along the country's long border.

"Funding will also be given to help Vietnam prepare to deal with a possible pandemic among humans," he added.

The bank said although Vietnam managed to contain the virus and has not had an outbreak since December last year and no human cases since November 2005, officials there are worried that with avian flu already detected now in neighboring countries, and with winter approaching, the country was now at a high risk of another outbreak.

About 100,000 people across Vietnam have been mobilized for vaccination campaign, which began last year, in all the country's 64 provinces.

Now there are nine laboratories across the country, including the laboratory of Veterinary Research in Hanoi provided through World Bank funding which allows for testing of samples from provinces.

World Bank said one of the reasons for Vietnam's success was its community-based surveillance campaign, as well as educating its people to recognize the symptoms of avian flu and adopting new habits in raising poultry.

This was implemented in the Ha Tay province which is the biggest chicken breeding region in the whole country. It has a toll free number and offers a US$3 reward to people who report cases of avian flu among animals. -- BERNAMA