US GOVERNMENT DONATES PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TO HELP ARMENIA TO COMBAT AVIAN INFLUENZA

Armenpress
Mar 13 2006

YEREVAN, MARCH 13, ARMENPRESS: 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.