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Source: http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/...bird+flu-ss-06
Pakistan gets equipment to tackle bird flu
Saturday, 29 Aug, 2009 | 10:15 AM PST |
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received on Friday equipment from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to tackle the threats of bird flu.
The personal protective equipment (PPE) kits along with infectious substance insulated shipper worth $18,704 was handed over by Jenet Paz-Castillo, Health Office chief USAID, to Dr Khurshid Ahmed, deputy animal husbandry commissioner, and Dr Akram Munir, project director National Program for Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza, Ministry of Livestock and Dairy Development.
'This gear will limit the risk of bird-to-human infection during outbreak response activities such as disposing of infected poultry and decontaminating poultry raising areas,' said Ms Castillo.
Pakistan is the 24th country throughout Asia and the Near East that has experienced outbreaks of avian influenza, particularly from the H5N1 strain of the virus which killed many birds.
Last year alone, 535 new outbreaks of avian influenza were reported in 21 countries, while 51 cases were reported in Pakistan.
'These most recent outbreaks of H5NI (swine flu) remind us how critical such efforts are in containing avian influenza. All relevant ministries, offices and units must remain vigilant in their battles to detect and contain this virus,' she said.
The protective suits, respirators, goggles and gloves will be distributed to people who come in direct contact with poultry infected with the avian influenza virus. The gear will limit the risk of animal-to-animal and animal-to-human infection during outbreak response activities such as disposing of infected poultry and decontaminating poultry raising areas.
Since 2002, the US government has provided more than $3.4 billion to Pakistan for improvements in economic growth, education, health, governance, and assistance for earthquake reconstruction.
Pakistan gets equipment to tackle bird flu
Saturday, 29 Aug, 2009 | 10:15 AM PST |
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received on Friday equipment from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to tackle the threats of bird flu.
The personal protective equipment (PPE) kits along with infectious substance insulated shipper worth $18,704 was handed over by Jenet Paz-Castillo, Health Office chief USAID, to Dr Khurshid Ahmed, deputy animal husbandry commissioner, and Dr Akram Munir, project director National Program for Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza, Ministry of Livestock and Dairy Development.
'This gear will limit the risk of bird-to-human infection during outbreak response activities such as disposing of infected poultry and decontaminating poultry raising areas,' said Ms Castillo.
Pakistan is the 24th country throughout Asia and the Near East that has experienced outbreaks of avian influenza, particularly from the H5N1 strain of the virus which killed many birds.
Last year alone, 535 new outbreaks of avian influenza were reported in 21 countries, while 51 cases were reported in Pakistan.
'These most recent outbreaks of H5NI (swine flu) remind us how critical such efforts are in containing avian influenza. All relevant ministries, offices and units must remain vigilant in their battles to detect and contain this virus,' she said.
The protective suits, respirators, goggles and gloves will be distributed to people who come in direct contact with poultry infected with the avian influenza virus. The gear will limit the risk of animal-to-animal and animal-to-human infection during outbreak response activities such as disposing of infected poultry and decontaminating poultry raising areas.
Since 2002, the US government has provided more than $3.4 billion to Pakistan for improvements in economic growth, education, health, governance, and assistance for earthquake reconstruction.