Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The United States Government in partnership with the Government of Indonesia on Thursday launched a project to reduce the impact of Avian Influenza (AI) on animals and humans and limit the threat of pandemic influenza in Indonesia.

ANTARA qouted the Jakarta-based US Embassy`s press statement here Friday as saying that the effort was in line with the goals of the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership to promote prosperity, sustain the environment, strengthen democracy, enhance understanding, and ensure security for the American and Indonesian people.

The Strategies Against Flu Emergence (SAFE) project will collaborate with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote early detection and healthier behavior in AI high-risk districts.

It will work in partnership with Indonesia`s Ministries of Agriculture and Health.

The project, a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) activity, will also expand and strengthen the participation of public-private partnerships to reduce possible harm to humans and poultry from AI in commercial farms.

"Avian influenza continues to pose a serious public health and pandemic threat for Indonesia and the world," explained USAID/Indonesia Mission Director Walter North.

"We must continue to work together -- government, private sector, NGOs, international donors and the community -- to be better prepared for a safer future," he said.

(O001/S026)

Editor: Suryanto
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