February 24, 2006—The World Bank is preparing an emergency project worth about US$50 million to help combat avian flu in Nigeria – the first African country to be infected with the virus. At the same time, Dr. François Le Gall, the Bank’s Lead Livestock Specialist for the Africa region, is warning all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa should be considered at high risk of infection and should be prepared for outbreaks of avian flu. Dr. Le Gall, who’s in charge of the veterinary aspects of the Bank’s response to avian flu, says there are suspicions the virus is already in Niger, which borders Nigeria. And he says concern about the possible spread of the virus throughout Africa has now prompted talks within the Bank about the need for a regional approach to the issue. “We are getting prepared to think of a regional approach in Africa. This is needed to facilitate access to our existing global funding facility for avian flu, possibly with additional regional credits and grants, “Dr. Le Gall says. “And the second reason is to address all the cross-border issues and regional activities which need to be tackled.” Team in Nigeria A Bank team has been on the ground in Nigeria working on an emergency assistance project together with key donors and partners such as the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Le Gall says the plan, subject to approval from the Bank’s Board of Directors, is to give assistance under the Bank’s new global program for avian flu of up to US$500 million to help countries combat avian flu. Under that program, the Bank has already given the go ahead for a US$4 million grant to the Kyrgyz Republic to help that country prepare for possible outbreaks of avian flu. “Pending Board confirmation, we are looking for US$50 million for Nigeria. That will follow the framework that we have developed under the new global funding facility and benefit from the regional program. So the money will be mainly for controlling the outbreaks, strengthening the veterinary and human health services, and for communication and coordination with partners in the field,” he says. Vaccination Campaign Dr. Le Gall also signaled there could be a mass vaccination campaign mounted in Nigeria, a country where much of the poultry production is in backyards. Nigeria has an important commercial poultry sector but also millions of backyard poultry farmers (the total poultry population is estimated at 140 million) and we believe that it’s going to be a real challenge for Nigeria. And this is something also particular to most African countries and will have implications in terms of responding to outbreaks of the virus. “So in addition to the regular culling and compensation measures, we will most probably have to consider a mass vaccination campaign – or if not a mass vaccination campaign then at least targeted strategic vaccination.” “The aim is to make sure the country is well prepared to control these outbreaks, prevent further spread of the virus, and prevent human cases.” Dr. Le Gall says while the task will be a “huge challenge” there is already a big mobilization of donors and partners in the country. A joint OIE/FAO team of experts now in Nigeria has reported the outbreaks in Nigeria are currently affecting three states, although they warn unofficial information seems to indicate the outbreaks have wider distribution. No Surprise Dr. Le Gall says it’s no surprise the virus has now reached Africa. “In fact it was a question of when, not if. We’ve mentioned several times because of the migratory birds the Africa region was at high risk, especially Nigeria but also the eastern countries of Africa. “We are not surprised but it’s stressful as Nigeria is a big country with big poultry production and the conditions there are very worrisome for us.” Dr. Le Gall says Niger is now of concern to veterinary and health authorities. Niger directly borders the affected areas of Nigeria. “Niger is of concern because of the close economic integration the north part of Nigeria has with the south-east part of Niger. “We are starting to prepare something for that country. We don’t want to wait. This is a message we can send. Not only Niger, and Nigeria, but all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa now should be considered at high risk of infection and get quickly prepared. “ |
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