Do they appreciate it?

U.S. offers more bird flu funding

JAKARTA: The U.S. pledged Friday to provide an additional US$3.2 million to help fight bird flu in Indonesia, which has recorded 49 deaths, the world's highest number.

Building on a $14.65 million bird flu prevention and control program, USAID will provide the $3.2 million for enhanced surveillance, response and prevention, the U.S. embassy said.

Of that amount, $2.2 million will be supplied in the form of personal protective gear and disinfection kits.

After meeting with Coordinating Minister for the People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie,, USAID Avian Influenza director Dennis Caroll said that the U.S. was pleased with the Indonesian government's redefined bird flu priorities. -- JP