AI.COMM - Avian and Pandemic Influenza Resource Link
AI.COMM - Avian and Pandemic Influenza Resource Link
AI.COMM - Avian and Pandemic Influenza Resource Link
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sector organizations <strong>and</strong> government offi cials<br />
that had been nurtured over the four years of<br />
<strong>AI</strong>.<strong>COMM</strong> were prepared <strong>and</strong> quickly sprang<br />
to action, disseminating information <strong>and</strong><br />
materials to their constituents <strong>and</strong> helping to<br />
mitigate the negative effects of the fi rst<br />
p<strong>and</strong>emic of the century. Government<br />
offi cials who had worked together to fend<br />
off avian infl uenza outbreaks reunited to<br />
determine the best response to the 2009 H1N1<br />
virus in their communities, each feeling<br />
comfortable in their roles <strong>and</strong> responsibilities.<br />
The numbers also tell the story, <strong>and</strong><br />
reinforce the importance of using an<br />
integrated approach to behavior change<br />
<strong>and</strong> communication. See side bar,<br />
<strong>AI</strong>.<strong>COMM</strong> by the Numbers.<br />
From a purely operational st<strong>and</strong>point,<br />
<strong>AI</strong>.<strong>COMM</strong> was a monumental undertaking.<br />
Contracts with over 180 contractors <strong>and</strong> up<br />
to 100 consultants representing <strong>and</strong> working<br />
in 24 countries usually had to be processed<br />
in an expedited fashion to rapidly respond<br />
to outbreaks. Indeed, it required a new type<br />
of commitment by US<strong>AI</strong>D <strong>and</strong> <strong>AI</strong>.<strong>COMM</strong>’s<br />
implementer, AED, to work together to adhere<br />
to government <strong>and</strong> fi nancial rules <strong>and</strong><br />
regulations, while at the same time being<br />
responsive to the urgent dem<strong>and</strong>s of Missions,<br />
communities, <strong>and</strong> emerging viral pathogens.<br />
Much of the experience under <strong>AI</strong>.<strong>COMM</strong><br />
represented a sea-change in how US<strong>AI</strong>D<br />
did business with a contracting agency,<br />
mostly due to the rapid response nature of<br />
the emerging H5N1 virus. It has now formed<br />
a foundation for future p<strong>and</strong>emic threats<br />
<strong>and</strong> global health activities.<br />
<strong>AI</strong>.<strong>COMM</strong> by the Numbers<br />
Note: The following fi gures are low-end<br />
estimates<br />
37 countries where programs<br />
were implemented<br />
20 different languages in which<br />
materials were available<br />
150 communication <strong>and</strong> training<br />
materials designed <strong>and</strong> developed<br />
85 training events held<br />
3,000 people trained or<br />
participated at events<br />
150 partners from public <strong>and</strong><br />
private sector <strong>and</strong> civil society<br />
180 contracts signed<br />
100 professionals in research,<br />
training, communication,<br />
advocacy, social mobilization<br />
used as consultants in 24<br />
different countries<br />
7<br />
FINAL REPORT B