Embassy of the U.S., Vietnam –
The United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) has launched the Emerging Pandemic Threats 2 (EPT-2) program to support
efforts in Vietnam to better prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease
threats. This program is closely aligned with the key objectives of the
governments’ partnership on the Global Health Security Agenda and Vietnam’s
adoption of the International Health Regulations.
The EPT-2 program builds on cooperation and partnerships over
the past decade among USAID and its partners, including successes on Avian
Influenza, to preempt or combat newly emerging diseases at their source,
including those of animal origin. EPT-2 will help more than 20 focus countries
in Africa and Asia detect viruses with pandemic potential, improve laboratory
capacity to support surveillance, strengthen national and local capacities to
respond in an appropriate and timely manner, and provide education on ways to
prevent exposure to these dangerous pathogens.
“Infectious diseases are still among the foremost dangers to
human health and the global economy,” said USAID Vietnam Mission Director Joakim
Parker. “The EPT-2 program supports Vietnam’s efforts to protect us all against
infectious disease threats and contribute to global health security.”
USAID program is being implemented in Vietnam with technical
collaboration from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the
World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization, and
with partners in three new project areas: Predict 2, One Health Workforce, and
Preparedness and Response.
Vietnam is located in a relatively high-risk region for
emerging infectious diseases. The new influenza A/H7N9 virus recently detected
in humans and animals in neighboring China is an example of potentially serious
regional threats to public health and economic development. Such emerging health
threats underscore the call by USAID and other key stakeholders in Vietnam for
greater coordination and collaboration among sectors and agencies to address
diseases that impact on health, food security and safety, livelihoods, trade,
and economic development. Since 2005, USAID has provided more than $60 million
to support Vietnam's programs to combat avian influenza and other pandemic
threats.