USAID Sponsors Activities Against Avian Influenza in Vietnam

Hanoi July 11, 2007

Financial support from the United States has enabled the Vietnam Women's Union to conduct avian influenza (AI) prevention workshops in 198 districts of 24 provinces over the past three months.

The project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and implemented by the Academy for Educational Development, has provided training for 3,800 members of the Women's Union since May.

Participants scored an average of 92% correct answers after taking the workshop, versus 55% before the program.

“The Women's Union plays a vital role in avian influenza prevention,” said Brett Jones, USAID’s humanitarian assistance program manager. “This program has helped create district-level avian influenza experts who serve as a resource and a motivating force for their communities.”

Following training, the women established at least one new village-level Avian Influenza Prevention Club in each of the 24 provinces, hosting monthly meetings on various AI topics. Each of the 198 districts also organized two village-level AI meetings to distribute informational leaflets and discuss AI prevention strategies. There meetings reached an additional 9,000 people.

The workshops are part of the United States' $12-million effort in Vietnam for AI prevention.

USAID is also sponsoring mobile road shows that are rolling across 28 provinces in Vietnam to help villagers learn about the dangers of avian influenza (AI) and ways to detect and prevent the disease.

The 20-minute plays, lighthearted family dramas with vital information about AI, are staged by the Academy for Educational Development (AED). After the performance, the audience – mostly rural farmers – receives informational leaflets and is encouraged to query the doctors and veterinarians accompanying the road show.

“Theatre helps break down barriers and conveys important health messages to communities in a light and entertaining way,” said Brett Jones, USAID’s humanitarian assistance program manager. “Drama is a language that everyone understands. It prompts community discussion, and is an engaging way to communicate key strategies for keeping villages and poultry healthy.”

Seventy-eight shows will be staged through July in provinces selected by the Department of Animal Health.