USAID Weekly
ISSUE XX • December 27, 2007
Top Story
Avian Influenza Response: Key Actions to Date
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) recognizes the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (AI) virus as a threat to public health, economic stability, and development in affected countries. Experts fear the virus could mutate into a form capable of causing a human influenza pandemic. To help combat AI and mitigate a potential human pandemic, USAID is fully engaged in the U.S. Government’s (USG’s) efforts to ensure a well-coordinated and strategically sound response to help contain AI in animals and limit its spread to humans, thus lessening opportunities for the virus to mutate. In addition to coordinating with USG partners, USAID works closely with host governments and international and private-sector partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to support AI interventions. USAID provides AI assistance in nearly 90 countries. Working with its partners, USAID supports AI programs through regional platforms, USAID Missions, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and international organizations. Largely through grants and technical assistance, the Agency has committed more than $191 million in foreign assistance for AI and pandemic preparedness.
USAID has committed $14 million and $23 million of its AI funds for activities with WHO and FAO, respectively, and $78 million for AI activities in countries affected by the virus. Of this $78 million, $46 million is for efforts in Asia and the Near East, $19 million is for Europe and Eurasia, $11 million is for Africa, and $2 million is for Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, USAID manages a $56 million commodity stockpile that includes essential goods such as personal protective equipment (PPE) for surveillance and outbreak response workers, decontamination equipment, and laboratory specimen collection kits.
(Fact sheets and latest updates)
USAID World News
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LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN
Government of Distrito Federal awards USAID/Brazil
The Governor of Distrito Federal José Roberto Arruda awarded USAID/Brazil Mission Director Jennifer Adams with the Medal of “Parceiros da Escola” (Partners of School), in a ceremony held at the Palace of Buriti in Brasilia on December 18.
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EUROPE & EURASIA
Value-Added Investments Open New Markets
As Albania has a long history in exporting raw herbs and spices, USAID helps producers to add value to their products, stressing the need to make quality products that meet market demands.
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ASIA NEAR EAST
USAID Promotes Entrepreneurship in Public Schools in Jordan
The Management Information Stream (MIS) was established in Jordanian secondary schools with USAID support.
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AFRICA
The Humanitarian Situation in Sudan
The U.S. Government (USG) is the leading international donor to Sudan and has contributed nearly $2.9 billion for humanitarian programs in Sudan and eastern Chad since FY 2004.
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Holiday Messages from the Administrator
Kwanzaa: During this holiday season, let us all renew our commitment to our families and communities, and let us always remember the importance of promoting human dignity and progress in Africa and throughout the world.
Eid al-Adha: May we all learn from Abraham's example and share our compassion and generosity with those in need this holiday season and through out the year, and let us continue to work toward a future of peace and opportunity for people around the world.
Christmas: My thoughts are with all those who are working toward peace around the world, and I wish you all a joyous season with your families and loved ones.
Hanukkah: As you light the Hanukkah candles, let us all remember those who continue to live in tyranny and oppression, and let our heart be filled with the peace and goodwill of the season.
FrontLines
Read the November 2007 issue
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