IOM yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lao
National Avian and Human Influenza Coordination Office (NAHICO) to
develop and disseminate avian and human influenza (AHI)
communication materials among migrants and host communities in the
Lao PDR.

The 14-month pilot project, which will contribute to the
government's national strategic plan on AHI and pandemic
preparedness, will be funded by the United Nations (UN) Central
Fund for Influenza Action and will target Phonhong district of
Vientiane province, and Paksan and Khamkeud districts of
Bolikhamxay province.

"Migration to and from Laos is expanding rapidly due to new
highways linking the country with its neighbours. There have
already been four outbreaks of bird flu this year in districts
close to international borders and migrants need to be better
informed about AHI to protect both themselves and their
communities," says Montira Inkochasan, IOM's Migration Health
Coordinator in Vientiane.

IOM has already started working with UN, national and
international partners to research appropriate AHI and pandemic
preparedness messages that will resonate with migrant
populations.

IOM opened a project office in Vientiane in April 2007. The
office is currently implementing projects in three areas: return
and reintegration of victims of human trafficking; HIV prevention
and awareness in the infrastructure sector; and avian and human
influenza preparedness.    

For further information please contact:

Montira Inkochasan

IOM Vientiane

Tel: +856 (0) 207 864 127

E-mail: "mailto:minkochasan@iom.int">minkochasan@iom.int