U.S. Health Secretary Michael Leavitt announced yesterday that the United States will provide Vietnam with $6 million to combat avian influenza.
This funding is part of a $25 million investment by the U.S. government for Southeast Asia to implement the U.S.-initiated International Partnership for Avian and Pandemic Influenza program.
Turkish citizens are rushing to pharmacies to buy Tamiflu to prevent influenza after confirmation of H5N1 in the northwestern region of the country. The European Union (EU) quickly urged member states to stockpile antiviral drugs for avian influenza and advised the public to get vaccinated. Next week, EU health ministers will hold an emergency meeting in the UK to discuss measures to combat avian influenza. |
“The U.S. government’s aid will be used to provide equipment, establish rapid response teams, create local surveillance networks, and conduct training. Additionally, the Ministry of Health of Vietnam has stated that it is working to develop a vaccine in Vietnam. The U.S. is ready to assist Vietnam in the clinical trials of this vaccine,” said Leavitt.
In his remarks to reporters, Leavitt emphasized the importance of timely and rapid information sharing.
“We hope Vietnam will actively collaborate with the international community and make a strong commitment to information sharing. So far, we are very optimistic about the support received from the Ministry of Health of Vietnam.”
He also mentioned having a brief discussion with the Vietnamese Health Minister about enhancing cooperation between the two countries in combating HIV/AIDS.
CẨM HÀ
