Asia-Pacific

Vietnam approves $25m loans to fight H5N1

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-03-21 13:53

HANOI - Vietnamese Prime Minister has approved an additional $250-million loans for the " Vietnam avian and human influenza control and preparedness project (VAHIP)", according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Monday.

Related readings:  Dead duck tests H5N1 positive in Hong Kong  Large-billed crow tests H5N1 positive in Hong Kong  S Korea confirms outbreak of H5N1 in two provinces  Indonesia reports 2 bird flu deaths

The ministry said the money comes from a combination of sources including the International Development Association of World Bank with $10 million, the multi-donor Avian and Human Influenza Facility with $13 million, and the Vietnamese Government with $2 million in counterpart fund.

The decision was made due to the recent increase of cases affected by influenza H5N1 in some localities. The agricultural minister and the Ministry of Health are entrusted to closely monitor the current situation so as to prepare medicine in time and control the virus nationwide.

VAHIP is being implemented in 11 cities and provinces in the country. The funding will be used to improve the quality and effectiveness of medical and veterinary services to minimize the risks for people and animals affected by the flu.