Nigeria has confirmed the outbreak of the Avian Flu virus on a commercial farm in the state of Kaduna. Some 40,000 infected chickens have died on the farm, which also raises geese and ostriches. Experts from OIE (the World Organization for Animal Health), and the UN’s FAO and WHO Organizations are in Nigeria assessing the outbreak and the risks it poses. What is the World Bank doing to help Nigeria address the health risks it faces now that the Avian Flu virus has been detected? The World Bank’s Board of Directors has given its endorsement of a new framework for a global funding program of up to US$500 million to help countries combat avian flu. Under this global framework the Bank will assist Nigeria in responding to the outbreak of the virus among chickens. A Bank mission leaves this weekend (February 11-12) to assess the country’s needs and to work with its Nigerian partners and other international organizations on the modalities for Bank support. Bank assistance will include technical and financial support to farmers and veterinary and health services, to tackle the virus at its animal source and to help reduce opportunities for direct transmission to humans. Experience shows that early detection and rapid response, is critical to contain the virus and prevent its spread in the environment, thus minimizing the threats posed by the disease to humans. What is the risk to the population and the economy in Nigeria, or in other African countries ? The virus affects poultry, and to date has not taken a form that can be transmitted from one person to another. Humans can be infected as a result of direct contact with infected birds and poultry, however. To minimize the risks of infection, people should: - avoid direct contact with chickens and other foul;
- practice rigorous hygiene (washing hands frequently, as well as any kitchen utensils that have been in contact with uncooked poultry);
- make sure any poultry is thoroughly cooked;
- keep birds and chickens outside the living space.
It will be important that the Government of Nigeria and its partners inform the population of practical ways to lower the risk of contracting the virus. Is it a surprise that the Avian Flu virus has arrived in Africa ? No, most experts expected the virus to come to Africa some time. Among other things, West Africa lies on the migratory route from the Middle East, where the virus has already surfaced. The region also is subject to illegal trade in birds. Well before the outbreak in Nigeria, the Bank has been active in raising awareness among decision-makers, partnering with donors and technical agencies (OIE, FAO and WHO among others) to promote coordinated and integrated country plans, and in some cases working with governments on avian flu preparedness programs ( in Mozambique, Kenya and Eritrea). The Bank as also been active in addressing the regional dimension of avian flu together with the African Union. Are African countries prepared to address the challenge the Avian Flu virus presents? Veterinary services, as well as health services, are generally very weak in many countries. However, African policymakers can take advantage of lessons learned from other affected countries, since the first outbreaks in Southeast Asia occurred in 2003. Clear strategies, guidelines and standards exsit to help countries put in place emergency programs. In addition, at regional level, the African Union has created an animal resources bureau (IBAR) designed, among other things, to address animal health problems affecting the continent. Moreover, the European Commission is financing a regional project on animal disease surveillance (PACE). Finally, ALive, the multi-partners platform for livestock in Africa, will help the key stakeholders to coordinate their response at country and regional levels. Should other African countries be concerned that their poultry will also become infected? Every country is at risk, and every country should be taking steps to prepare for the introduction of the virus and the risk it represents—including educating populations on practices that can help them minimize the threat posed by the disease. To help governments organize effective responses, the Bank had prepared guidelines on the best ways to assess the risks and prepare an integrated response. The Bank is planning a series of regional workshops that will bring policymakers together to mount accelerated efforts to prepare for outbreaks among poultry in their countries. |
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