March 28, 2008

Cambodia receives grants of US$11 million in bird flu battle
 

The World Bank on Wednesday (March 26, 2008) has approved a US$6 million grant to assist Cambodia in its national plan to combat bird flu threats and to improve its health system for possible future outbreaks, in addition to grants extended by Japan and multidonor groups.

The grant will be used to finance the Avian and Human Influenza Control and Preparedness Emergency Project (AHICPEP). Designed in support of Cambodia's Comprehensive Avian and Human Influenza (AHI) National Plan, it aims to control the spread of the virulent H5N1 virus; reduce losses among poultry producers, and to limit damage to the poultry industry among others.

Japan has also provided a US$3 million grant and the Avian and Human Influenza (AHI) Facility provided a US$2 million grant as well.

The combined US$11 million project would be implemented by units within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Health, and the National Committee for Disaster Management.

Cambodia welcomes and appreciates the support of the World Bank and other donors to Cambodia's national plan, according to H.E. Nhim Vanda, president of the National Committee for Disaster Management.

The Cambodian government is now working to develop an integrated control and response plan, and is also collaborating with the international community to improve its disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and emergency response.

"The improvements that the Cambodian government will be able to make in its veterinary and public health services should serve to protect the population not only against avian influenza, but also against other potential health threats," said Rafael Dochao Moreno, Charge d'affaires at the Delegation of the European Commission to Cambodia.