Vienna: The European Commission and the World Bank on Wednesday announced the creation of a multi-donor trust fund aimed at helping developing countries boost their bird flu preparedness and minimise the possibility of a human flu pandemic.
The fund's aim is to support national and regional action plans, said Koos Richelle, director general of the European Commission's EuropeAid Cooperation Office.
Several countries including China, Russia, Slovenia, Korea, Iceland and Australia have also agreed to pay into the fund in addition to the European Commission, said Richelle, speaking in Vienna on the sidelines of a meeting of senior official on bird flu and human pandemic flu.
"It's not just a matter of altruism, health is a global public good, and threats to health in the international community must be dealt with," Richelle said.
"We have a clear self-interest in supporting the poorer countries," he added.
James Adams, vice president for operations and country services at the World Bank, said beneficiaries in the developing world would be able to receive grant funding.
"It allows us as a donor community to participate actively as a group working in cooperation instead of isolation," Adams said.
Koos said the European Commission would contribute about $50 million into the fund.
However, a World Bank official familiar with the fund said after the news conference that the EU's contribution was $59 million.
Britain also is expected to be a donor, but has not formally agreed to provide funds, the official said.
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