A1+
NOT AFRAID OF AVIAN INFLUENZA
[02:26 pm] 27 March, 2007
On March 27, 2007, a one-day avian influenza simulation exercise was
held at the Congress Hotel, sponsored by USAID and organized jointly
by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO). The exercise was designed to bring together the
key Armenian ministries and agencies responsible for responding to any
avian flu outbreak. The exercise simulated days one through 50 of an
outbreak, and helped participants identify the proper response to a
developing outbreak scenario based on Armenia’s National Response Plan
for Avian Influenza.
Similar simulation exercises are being planned by USAID in other
countries throughout Europe and Eurasia to ensure that the region is
prepared address avian influenza, should a widespread outbreak
occur. While the United States Government is not aware of any cases of
either animal or human avian flu in Armenia, we recognize that proper
preparedness to respond to any possible outbreak is Armenia’s best
defense.
During his opening remarks, Acting USAID Mission Director, Mr. Karl
Fickenscher said, `The Armenian Government has already taken important
steps to improve its response capacity if an outbreak were to occur in
Armenia. I am confident that significant strides are being made to
protect Armenia’s avian populations and keep its citizens healthy and
safe.’
The opening ceremony included Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Head
of the Inter-Ministerial Avian Flu Taskforce, Mr. Levon Ruhkian, along
with representatives from the WHO and FAO.