5 November 2008

US Announces New Funding for Avian and Pandemic Flu at International Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

At the recent International Ministerial Conference on Avian and Pandemic Influenza held at Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt the US pledged an additional $320 million. This conference had representatives from over 100 nations and was organized by the Government of Egypt in cooperation with the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza. The U.S. pledge was made by Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, Paula Dobriansky.

In a U.S. Department of State media note October 25th it was reported that U.S. support to international organizations and more than 90 nations for avian and pandemic influenza preparedness is now $949 million. The complete statement is posted at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/oct/111241.htm

U.S. funding is reported by the Department of State to go to support "stockpiles of non-pharmaceutical supplies such as personal protective equipment, laboratory and decontamination kits for outbreak surveillance, investigation, response, and containment; technical and humanitarian assistance and international coordination; wild bird surveillance; international research, including vaccine research; and global communications and outreach."

Daniel R. Lucey, MD, MPH

EROne Institutes, Department of Emergency Medicine

Washington Hospital Center

Washington, D.C.

Website: www.BePast.org