The global battle against avian influenza has intensified since October 22, 2005, as many governments have ramped up self-defense measures through financial investments, drug stockpiling, and quarantine plans at airports. These measures were announced alongside reports of avian flu cases emerging in the UK, Croatia, Russia, and recently, Sweden.
At a press conference in Washington yesterday, U.S. officials stated that the United States is committed to allocating $38 million to assist Asia in preventing the outbreak of the disease. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky, who recently returned from a trip to Southeast Asian countries affected by avian flu, indicated that the funds will primarily support Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia, focusing on enhancing testing and surveillance capabilities, as well as training personnel. The U.S. government is also planning to request additional funding from Congress.
U.S. Secretary of Health Michael Leavitt emphasized the urgent need to take action to prevent the current avian flu outbreak from escalating into a pandemic.
In another development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced yesterday that it would inject an additional $50 million to support the fight against avian influenza before it becomes a pandemic that could threaten human lives and the economy in Asia.
The ADB warned that “even a relatively mild pandemic” could result in losses for the region ranging from $90 billion to $110 billion due to reduced investment and trade. A “major outbreak” could potentially lead to a global economic downturn.
As of today, there are further signs indicating that the outbreak remains uncontained. Croatia reported cases of wild swans infected with avian flu yesterday, while an H5 virus strain from South America was detected in poultry imports into the UK.
Taiwan has confirmed plans to produce its own Tamiflu, despite Roche having only licensed production to four domestic companies in the United States.
Meanwhile, Australia has announced plans to quarantine passengers at airports and conduct temperature checks; those who do not comply will be transferred to quarantine centers.
Chinese media reported today that the country will close its borders if the first human-to-human transmission case is detected. Deputy Health Minister Huang Jiefu stated: “Human life is more important than the economy” when announcing this measure.
THÙY LINH (According to Xinhua, Reuters)
