November 22, 2005

Japan will contribute US$2 million to WHO against bird flu

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said the country would contribute JPY240 million (about US$2 million) to the World Health Organization, as part of efforts against bird flu. His announcement came during the recent Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Busan, South Korea.

The amount contributed by Japan would help the WHO form a monitoring system for bird flu, and help ensure adequate supplies of the antiviral drug Tamiflu.

Japan would also contribute over US$800,000 to the World Organisation for Animal Health, or OIE, and the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization. The money would help support veterinary administration and disease prevention systems in various countries, according to Japanese officials.

In addition, Japan would send specialists to provide help at research facilities in Asia and support cooperative measures in response to outbreaks of bird flu.