DUSHANBE , April 19, Asia-Plus - The World Bank mission on Avian Influenza is going to start its work in Tajikistan at the end of April 2006, according to information from the World Bank (WB) Dushanbe Office.

The mission will be led by Mr. Eustacius Betubiza, and the team will be comprised of Animal Health, Human Health, Rural Development, Laboratories'' and Communications Specialists. The overall objective of this mission is to carry out preparatory work for the proposed Tajikistan Avian Influenza Control and Human Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project.

The mission will coincide and will be supported by the experts from the WHO and UNICEF missions.  Specialists of the mission will also closely liaise with local Government representatives, donors, project representatives, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders. The World Bank mission will conduct an assessment of the activities that were and are implemented towards prevention of an Avian Influenza outbreak.

The WB Dushanbe Office source says that based on the assessments and consultations with the Government, the mission will compile the project to complement the activities undertaken by the Government.