U.S. AMBASSADOR TURNS OVER EQUIPMENT TO FIGHT AVIAN FLU IN UKRAINE

Today the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John E. Herbst presented the Government of Ukraine with the first delivery of reagents, detection kits, laboratory supplies and protective equipment. Advanced laboratory equipment will soon follow. These donations will help bolster Ukraine’s capacity to detect and combat Avian Influenza.

Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Emergency Affairs Vitaliy Romanchenko and the First Deputy Minister of Health and Chief Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine Serhiy Berezhnov accepted the donation on behalf of the Ukrainian government.

At the press conference, Ambassador Herbst stated, “Avian Influenza is a serious threat to Ukraine and the rest of the world. It is a global problem requiring a global response.”

The equipment donation is only one portion of U.S. support of Ukraine’s efforts to contain the outbreak of Avian Influenza. In addition, the U.S. government is working closely with Ukrainian government officials on a public education campaign to better inform Ukrainians about the safety of their poultry and how to protect themselves from possible exposure to the Avian virus. Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the State Veterinary Service, this $150,000 outreach campaign placed radio and television programs on Avian Influenza, aired radio and TV public service announcements, and printed and distributed informational brochures.

In closing, Ambassador Herbst highlighted, “The threat Avian Flu poses is real.” He encouraged the audience to “stay on guard, and vigorously control the spread of this dangerous virus.”

For additional information about the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Avian Influenza technical assistance, please visit http://ukraine.usaid.gov/.