Abt Associates Launches USAID-Funded Avian Influenza Surveillance And Control Project

Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Article Date: 02 Aug 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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Abt Associates has been awarded a three-year project aimed at preventing, controlling and responding to avian influenza (AI) in countries in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region. The award was made by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Development Mission in Bangkok, Thailand. The three-year award, made under the Population, Health and Nutrition Technical Assistance and Support Contract (TASC2) IQC, is the largest competed USAID award for avian influenza to date.

The U.S. Congress is making 'emergency supplemental' funds available for immediate use in Vietnam and Laos. Funding may extend to other countries in the future. The Abt Associates-led team rapidly mobilized and began work on July 14, immediately after being awarded the project.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a total of 232 confirmed cases of human AI that resulted in 134 deaths. Of these, Vietnam was the hardest hit in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region, with 93 reported human cases and 42 confirmed deaths. As early as January 2004, Vietnam had 11 confirmed cases of human AI that resulted in 8 deaths. With recent reports of human-to-human transmission of AI in Indonesia, many governments are mobilizing resources to mitigate a possible "bird flu" pandemic.

Abt Associates' Kathleen Novak, Principal Associate in the company's International Health Division, noted that the project will provide urgently needed assistance in the Mekong and Red River delta areas, where outbreaks have occurred earlier in Vietnam, and in high risk urban areas in Laos, which have been identified as vulnerable. So far, no confirmed cases of human AI have been reported in Laos.

Vietnamese government officials visiting Washington, D.C., in July expressed their country's firm commitment to continue vigorous efforts to control AI through strengthened prevention, surveillance and response. Dr. Nguyen Tran Hein of the Ministry of Health stated that avian influenza is "a combined agricultural, major public health, economic and social threat." In addition to the substantial contribution of the government, Hien stated that Vietnam needs support for biosafety, surveillance, information campaigns, and early detection and response efforts. He advised that the government is prepared to carry out massive culling of domestic bird populations to ensure the safety and security of the population.

Abt Associates and its partners -- CARE International, Population Services International, and the University of Minnesota -- will help local governments and communities develop skills to identify and report suspected animal and human cases, and to adopt safer poultry keeping and consumption practices. The project will pilot test bio-safety approaches to reduce the risk of infection, and develop targeted behavior change communication strategies for farmers, poultry workers and marketers, health personnel, and the general public.

"We have designed an integrated, multi-sectoral approach that addresses human and animal health issues simultaneously," says Don Douglas, Abt Associates' project Chief of Party. "Our aim is to rapidly mobilize communities to be aware of the health risks, to increase surveillance and prevention capacity, and to do so by collaborating with local, national, and international institutions."

Douglas explained that team members have in-depth experience in Vietnam and Laos, and span a range of professions -- veterinary scientists, epidemiologists, disease surveillance and information systems experts, communications specialists, medical specialists, and community mobilization and training experts. "We have in-country technical expertise and emergency preparedness staff that enable us to rapidly mobilize and initiate activities," said Douglas.

In addition to its partners, Abt Associates is forming senior advisory groups composed of national experts in each country to consult with at each stage of the project to assure optimal project impact. Melinda Ojermark, Portfolio Manager for the project, commented, "by collaborating with government officials we are ensuring that our project strategies and activities are in accord with the 'Integrated National Operational Program for Avian and Human Influenza in Vietnam (2006-2010)' and with national plans now under development in Laos. This collaboration allows us to benefit from and leverage the considerable knowledge and expertise that resides in these countries."

Abt Associates, a private, employee-owned company, applies scientific research and technical assistance expertise to a wide range of social, economic, and technological policy issues; international development; clinical trials and registries; and complex business problems. Founded in 1965, Abt Associates provides services to U.S. federal, state, and local governments; foreign governments; international organizations; foundations; and business and industry. Its staff of over 1,000 is located in offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Bethesda, Maryland; Chicago, Illinois; and overseas in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Abt Associates
http://www.abtassociates.com

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