World Bank Supports Avian Influenza Preparedness, Response In The Kyrgyz Republic

			> Juergen Voegele World Bank Sector Mgr., Rural Development, Europe & Central Asia
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In Bishkek: Jyldyz Djakypova, (996-31)261 0650

jdjakypova@worldbank.org

In Washington:  Miriam Van Dyck   (202) 458 2931

mvandyck@worldbank.org

Merrell Tuck   (202) 473 9615

mtuckprimdahl@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, February 9, 2006 – The World Bank’s Board of Directors today approved an IDA grant in the amount of US$4 million for the Avian Influenza Control & Human Pandemic Preparedness & Response Project for the Kyrgyz Republic.  The country is the first to draw resources from a US$500 million global facility broadly endorsed by the World Bank’s Board on January 12. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the Project will be cofinanced by a grant from the Government of Japan in the amount of US$ 1 million.

Over the past six months, outbreaks of bird flu have occurred in six countries outside East Asia.  After crossing from China into Russia, outbreaks have been reported in Kazakhstan and have moved southwest to Ukraine, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Croatia.

“The Kyrgyz Republic is located in Central Asia on a major migratory flyway path and the current capacity in the country to monitor migratory birds and potential transmission of disease to local poultry and among local poultry is very weak,” said Juergen Voegele, World Bank sector manager for rural development in the World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia region. “This is definitely a country that needs assistance immediately.”

“At this moment, it’s not clear to what extent this epidemic is under control in Europe and Central Asia.  Our message to countries in the region is this: Be prepared.  Don’t wait till you have an outbreak to think about drafting contingency plans and putting together a communications strategy,” said Voegele.

With a total cost of US$6.4 million, the project will help to minimize the threat posed to humans and poultry by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) infection and to prepare for, control, and respond to future outbreaks.  The project will help to improve animal health surveillance and care; prepare public health services to respond to human cases of infection; compensate farmers whose birds are culled to prevent the spread of any outbreaks; develop and implement a national communications strategy; and help health and agricultural ministries coordinate their work in times of crisis.

“In addition to safeguarding human health, the project can mitigate potential future economic and social costs,” said World Bank Country Manager Chris Lovelace.  He noted that poultry production in the Kyrgyz Republic is predominantly a smallholder occupation, and for poor households poultry is an essential source of income.  “An uncontrolled outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza would be devastating for many, both in human and economic terms,” Lovelace warned.

In case of a declared influenza pandemic, the Project will finance emergency imports identified as necessary under a well-defined preparedness and response program.  The Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Processing Industry and the Ministry of Health will be responsible for project implementation.

The World Bank is one of the largest sources of development assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic.  Since 1992, the World Bank’s commitments to the country have totaled over US$737 million for 35 projects.  The Kyrgyz Republic borrows from the World Bank on highly concessional terms – no interest, and only a 0.75% service charge.  Credits are repayable in 40 years, including a 10-year grace period, while grants require no repayment.

From 2003 to mid-2005, half of the World Bank’s assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic was in grant form.  Effective July 2005, the Bank provides all funding to the Kyrgyz Republic on a grant basis.

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