Cambodia Signs Multi-Donor Agreement for $11 Million in Grants to Back National Bird Flu Plan

By Soy Sophea

The Cambodian government on May 8 signed an agreement with donors for three grants totaling US $11 million. This money will help Cambodia strengthen its response to any outbreak of avian and human influenza in the future. Ouk Rabun, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, said, “Strong leadership and cooperation between all members is crucial for the successful implementation of the Project.”

According to a press release issued May 9 by the World Bank, the money will go to support the Avian and Human Influenza Control and Preparedness Emergency Project.

This 3-year project will complement Cambodia’s Comprehensive Avian and Human Influenza (AHI) National Plan, aimed at minimizing the threat from avian and human influenza and preparing the country’s health system to deal with any possible outbreak. Of the $11 million, $6 million was provided by the World Bank, Japan contributed $3 million and the European Commission and eight other donors, contributed $2 million.