Avian Influenza Project

Avian Influenza

The re-emergence of a highly pathogenic Influenza A H5N1 virus (AI) in Asia in late 2003 has been responsible for 204 human infections with 113 deaths globally including 38 human infections with 28 deaths in Indonesia as of April 2006. The present threat mainly stems from animal-to-human infection, and has been mostly confined to Southeast Asia and Eurasia. But with animal outbreaks extending to Europe and Africa, mounting human infections trends are worrisome.

AI is a top priority for USAID, which has obligated over $ 14 million in Indonesia in FY 2005 and FY 2006 to develop a comprehensive program, including three integrated activities that meet critical needs in bird flu control and pandemic prevention and preparedness in Indonesia. USAID supports the Ministry of Agriculture through an agreement with FAO to implement a systematic, evidence-based program for AI surveillance and rapid response to reduce animal outbreaks, and eventually eradicate this dangerous strain of AI in Indonesia. USAID also supports behavior change communications through AED to help the Indonesian people to take action to protect their families, their animals and their livelihoods from AI. USAID also supports human surveillance in high-risk areas of Java and Bali to watch for potentially dangerous changes in the virus and to support efforts to develop a human vaccine.

All Basic Human Services activities