Under a grant from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) will develop a pandemic influenza preparedness and response plan and provide training for civil society organizations active in the country.
The one-year project carried out in partnership with national authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will enhance Vietnam’s ability to respond to community needs in an influenza pandemic in areas of health, food security and livelihoods in Vietnam. Central to the project is support for effective coordination between governmental and United Nations agencies, mass organizations, and NGOs.
Since 2005, the US Government has provided more than US$33.5 million to support Vietnam’s programs to combat avian and pandemic influenza. Related USAID activities include joint cross border pandemic exercises with China and Laos, support to develop and improve provincial pandemic preparedness plans, training of animal health workers and veterinarians, public communication campaigns, and journalist training in H1N1 prevention and control measures.