World Bank and UNDP sign an agreement to fight the Avian Flu in the OPT – WB Press release

PRESS RELEASE

The World Bank and UNDP sign an agreement to fight the Avian Flu in the oPt

Jerusalem, October 5th, 2006– UNDP/PAPP’s Special Representative Jens Toyberg-Frandzen and Country Director of the World Bank David Craig signed an agreement on the 3rd of October, 2006 where the World Bank will fund a project through UNDP to fight Avian Flu in the oPt.

The project aims at building the capacities of health and veterinary units in the Palestinian National Authority. In addition, the project will include the supply of necessary equipment and information to fight the disease and limit its spread in case of an outbreak in autumn 2006. The Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, FAO and WHO will also participate in the implementation of the project.

It is worth noting that Gaza is one of the most vulnerable areas in the oPt due to its continuously deteriorating living conditions. Many international organizations have warned from the spread of this epidemic specially that Gaza has neither the resources nor the logistical capabilities to fight the disease.