As part of its contribution to the global community's response to avian and pandemic influenza threats, from 2006 to 2009, the World Bank offered a series of inter-regional distance learning seminars using its Global Development Learning Network. These seminars promoted discussion of topics relevant to pandemic preparedness and One Health. Institutions, governments, technical agencies, donors, nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders exchanged knowledge, reviewed progress in specific countries, and shared experiences and good practices and lessons that have been learned. Select videos are posted below.
The Importance of Integrated Country Programs in the Fight Against Avian and Human Influenza – July 2006
The first inter-regional knowledge sharing seminar on avian and human influenza focused on the integrated country plans that are the basis for coordinated and effective national response to avian and human pandemic influenza (AHI). The event, involving senior officials from Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, and Nigeria, allowed an interactive exchange of experience and practice between the officials directly responsible for coordinating their government’s response to AHI.
Communications Planning – September 2006
The following countries and institutions shared their experiences and strategies for implementing AHI communication policies, campaigns and programs: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Thailand, United States, Vietnam, CDC, UNICEF and WHO.
Compensation Policies: Issues and Good Practice – February 2007
The seminar was led by co-authors from the interagency team comprising of FAO, OiE, IFPRI and the World Bank that developed the “Enhancing Control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Developing Countries through Compensation” report. The co-authors presented and discussed the key findings of the report, while seminar participants engaged in a substantive discussion around some of the main issues arising in this complex policy area. Select countries contributed their experience, in addition to representatives from civil society, the donor community, NGOs, and government and technical agencies. Additional presentations were made by international avian flu experts, including:
- Dr. David Nabarro, Sr. UN System Influenza Coordinator, United Nations
- Ms. Anni McLeod, Sr. Officer, Livestock Policy, FAO
- Dr. Alain Dehove, Co-coordinator of the World Fund for Animal Health and Welfare (OIE)
- Dr. Mohamed Saidu, Component Coordinator, Avian Flu Animal Health Nigeria
- Mr. Sorin Chelmu, Secretary General, Ministry of Agriculture, Romania
- Mr. Nguyen Thanh Son, Deputy Director, Livestock Production Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam
- Mr. Bayu Krisnamurti, Executive Secretary of the National Committee for Avian Influenza Control and Pandemic Influenze Preparedness, Government of Indonesia.
Poultry Vaccination – October 2007
The World Bank, in collaboration with the OIE, FAO and developing country partners, convened an inter-regional knowledge sharing seminar on Avian and Human Pandemic Influenzas (AHI). The seminar addressed Vaccination of Poultry - Policies, Issues and Good Practice. In this seminar, led by specialists from FAO, OIE and the World Bank, participants discussed use of poultry vaccination in the context of an overall AHI control program. The seminar participants also discussed: (a) the key scientific and logistical constraints, risks and concerns reviewed during the March 2007 Verona conference; (b) costs associated with a vaccination campaign; (c) measures of success; and (d) types of vaccines/vaccine strains, amongst other issues.
The seminar provided an opportunity for countries and agencies to engage in a substantive discussion of the main issues arising in this complex policy area. Representatives from China, Italy, Turkey and Vietnam were also invited to contribute their experience and recommendations for improved vaccination campaigns relative to AHI preparedness and prevention. The list of panelists included:
- United Nations -- Dr. David Nabarro, Sr. UN System Influenza Coordinator
- OIE -- Christianne Bruschke, OIE Scientific and Technical Department
- FAO -- Joseph Domenech, Chief Veterinary Officer
- World Bank -- Brian G. Bedard, Senior Livestock Specialist, World Bank
- AHI Specialists and Senior Officials from China, Vietnam, Turkey and Italy