EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICANEWS RELEASE
1 AMERICAN AVENUE
YEREVAN, ARMENIA
TELEPHONE (+374 10) 464700
FAX (+374 10) 464742
E-MAIL: USINFO@USA.AM

March 13, 2006

U.S. Government Donates Personal Protective Equipment to Support
Armenia’s Preparedness to combat Avian Influenza

On March 13, 2006, U.S. Ambassador John Evans met with Armenian
Minister of Agriculture Davit Lokyan to officially mark the donation of
1,500 set of personal protective equipment from the United States of
America to the government of Armenia. The equipment, which includes
coveralls, latex gloves, protective boots, goggles and masks,
is designed to be used by individuals involved in avian influenza
surveillance and response efforts. The bulk of the equipment, 1,125
complete sets, will be given to the Ministry of Agriculture to support
Armenia’s efforts to develop an active agricultural surveillance
program. The remainder of the equipment, 375 complete sets, will be
given to the Ministry of Health for use as needed by laboratory staff
and health care workers. This donation is part of an on-going effort
by the United States to assist the Armenian government in responding
to the threat of avian influenza.

The United States has also provided and continues to provide technical
and other types of assistance to support this effort.

Avian influenza is a global threat that does not respect
national boundaries. No country is immune, and every country has
a responsibility to be prepared. The United States government is
actively engaged with foreign partners around the world to combat
this threat. This donation is evidence of our commitment to assist
Armenia in responding to the threat of avian influenza.

More information on avian influenza as well as advice for American
citizens living in Armenia can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s website
at

rch/news031306.html

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress