February 9, 2006 ─The World Bank has officially given the go ahead for a US$4 million grant to the Kyrgyz Republic to help the country prepare for possible outbreaks of avian flu. The grant is the first awarded under the Bank’s new global funding program of up to US$500 million to help countries combat avian flu. The move comes as the Bank is preparing arrangements for a trust fund to handle some of the millions of dollars pledged by the international community at a meeting in Beijing last month on avian flu. (See related story) Since the current strain of avian influenza emerged in 2003, most of the reported outbreaks have been in East and Southeast Asia. However, since last year, the avian flu virus has been spreading across several countries in Europe and Central Asia. A Cause for Concern The Bank’s sector manager for rural development in Europe and Central Asia, Juergen Voegele, says while there have been no reported outbreaks of the virus in the Kyrgyz Republic its location gives cause for concern. “The Kyrgyz Republic is located in Central Asia on a major migratory flyway path and the capacity in the country to monitor migratory birds and potential transmission of disease to local poultry is very weak,” Voegele says. “So this is definitely a country that needs assistance immediately in this area.”
The head of the Bank’s Avian Flu Taskforce, Jim Adams, says the Kyrgyz Republic had shown foresight in approaching the Bank for assistance. “I think the concern the country has – given where they are and given the migratory patterns – is that they are better preparing now to deal with the problem, rather than dealing with it after the fact,” Adams says. “I think it’s an example of clear vision on the part of the Kyrgyz Republic and an example of how we’d like countries to move.” Heeding the Message Voegele says he hopes other countries will heed the message: that it’s better to prepare now for potential outbreaks of avian flu. “At this point, it is not clear to what extent the disease is under control in Europe and Central Asia, “he says. “So the message that we want to give to the countries in the region is please get ready now. Be prepared before an outbreak happens. Once an outbreak happens, there is no time to bring your veterinary services up to speed and to have your human health components or your human health system ready for an outbreak.” While the Kyrgyz Republic has not had a confirmed case of avian flu, the country has been affected by avian flu related developments. Poultry prices have been rising since September last year. Poultry meat is now the most expensive meat in the country, a radical change from a few months ago when it was the most affordable source of animal protein, especially for the poor. Ease Future Costs World Bank Country Manager, Chris Lovelace, says in addition to safeguarding human health, the new US$4 million project will also help mitigate future costs. He says poultry production in the country is mainly a smallholder occupation and for the poor households poultry remains 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 says. Adams says the project aims not only to strengthen veterinary services but will also support a national program to implement avian flu prevention and preparedness, as well as inform the public. “There are specific investments to strengthen the veterinary service; a lot of resources in information dissemination, so the population can understand what is happening; and on the health side, increasing surveillance and awareness and developing the capacity if there’s any transmission from animals to humans. “ |
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