Avian and Pandemic Influenza: Preparedness and Response
USAID recognizes the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (AI) virus as a threat to public health, economic stability, and development in affected and at-risk countries [PDF, 78KB]. Experts fear the virus could mutate into a form capable of triggering a catastrophic human influenza pandemic. While the number of humans who have contracted the virus is low, over 60 percent of cases have been fatal. The potential for it to mutate into a pandemic-capable form increases with human exposure. The virus has also resulted in the deaths of over 240 million birds, affecting the health and livelihoods of millions who depend on poultry for protein and income. (For outbreak updates, see the World Health Organization and World Organization for Animal Health Web sites.)
To help ensure a strategically sound and well-coordinated response to the avian and pandemic influenza (API) threat, USAID implements API programs through its field missions and regional platforms. These efforts are conducted in collaboration with host governments, international and private-sector partners, non-governmental organizations, and other U.S. government partners, which include the U.S. Departments of State, Health and Human Services, Defense, Agriculture, and Homeland Security. Including provision of non-pharmaceutical commodities for disease surveillance and outbreak response, USAID support for API prevention and preparedness efforts has reached nearly 100 countries.
This support helps advance the objectives of the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza (IPAPI), which seeks to enhance global pandemic preparedness. Through the IPAPI, which was formed in 2005, nations and international organizations collaborate to improve readiness in key areas. Actions include elevating the issue on national agendas, coordinating efforts among donor and affected nations, mobilizing and leveraging resources, increasing transparency in disease reporting and surveillance, and building capacity to identify, contain, and respond to an influenza pandemic. All partners have endorsed a core set of principles focused on enhancing preparedness, prevention, response, and containment activities.
To date, the total U.S. Government commitment to fighting API is $949 million, with an overall USAID commitment of $543 million for these efforts globally. Of USAID’s funds, $468 million have been obligated, with another $75 million targeted for additional pandemic prevention and readiness efforts.
Latest News and Resources
- Frontlines Article: USAID-Sponsored Science Battles Avian Influenza - 6/15/11
- U.S. Government Continues to Assist Live Bird Markets to Prevent Avian Influenza - 07/06/10
- Leadership during a Pandemic: What Your Municipality Can Do - Pandemic Response Toolkit
- Emerging Pandemic Threats: Program Overview [PDF, 4.2MB]
- Community-Based Avian Influenza Control Project in Indonesia Notes Significant Successes, Paves the Way for More - 04/29/10
- Department of State Assistant Secretary for Oceans, Environment, and Science Visits Bali Village on Avian Influenza - 03/05/10
- U.S. Donates Protective Clothing for Influenza Preparedness and Response to Zimbabwe - 02/03/10
- Emerging Pandemic Threats [PDF, 51KB]
- Success Story: Pandemic Preparedness Bolsters H1N1 Response in Egypt [PDF, 72KB]
- International Medical Corps-Led Team Selected to Implement USAID Response to Emerging Infectious Diseases - 11/03/09
- DAI-Led Team Selected to Implement USAID Response to Emerging Infectious Diseases - 11/03/09
- USAID Awards Cooperative Agreement to AED to Enhance Communications about Emerging Pandemic Threats - 11/03/09
- UC Davis-Led Team Selected to Implement USAID Wildlife Surveillance Project to Detect and PREDICT Emerging Infectious Diseases - 11/03/09
- Agency Gears Up for Unpredictable Flu Season - 10/22/09
- USAID Launches Emerging Pandemic Threats Program - 10/21/09
- Vietnam Prepares for H1N1, Future Pandemics - 10/13/09
- USAID Provides $3.6 Million to Extend Influenza Aid in Vietnam - 09/23/09
- World Now at the Start of 2009 Influenza Pandemic - 6/11/09
- United States Donates Protective Suits and Disinfectant for Avian Influenza Response Preparedness - 05/27/09
- Success Story: Community in Indonesia Spurred to Action by Mass Media Campaign [PDF, 423KB]
- Testimony of Dr. Dennis Carroll on Pandemic Influenza, 2009-H1N1 Influenza Outbreak - 05/06/09
- USAID Cooperates in Pandemic Preparedness Initiative - 04/29/09
- USAID Provides $5M in Emergency Support as 2009 H1N1 Influenza ("Swine Flu") Spreads - 04/28/09
- Helping Asia Fight Avian Influenza [PDF, 67KB]
- USAID Strengthens Avian Influenza Surveillance, Biosecurity, and Response in Turkmenistan - 03/13/09
- U.S. Project Supports Marketing of Traditionally-raised Poultry to Fight Bird Flu in Vietnam - 03/05/09
- United States Supports Avian Influenza Training for Veterinarians in Vietnam - 03/13/09
- United States Sponsors Avian Influenza Activities in Ha Nam - 02/10/09
- Record-Level U.S. Support for Bird Flu Programme - 11/12/08
- U.S. International Avian and Pandemic Influenza Assistance Approaches $950 Million - 10/25/08
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Additional Information on Avian and Pandemic Influenza
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