At the fair, where private hospitals put up stalls and offered free diagnosis of various diseases, he said that the US, already a global leader in funding efforts to combat Avian influenza, had pledged $629 million to strengthen global efforts against the bird flu.

During the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza in West Bengal, the US government also provided $11000 to UNICEF to combat the bird flu.

Assistance will also be provided to other states like Bihar and Jharkhand at the outbreak of the flu, considering the backyard poultry farmers and vulnerable communities.

Speaking on globalisation, he said that it has both good and bad effects. Spread of disease is one such bad effect. HIV/AIDS and Avian influenza have become transnational diseases.

“We are looking for partners in our foreign policy. We need to work together. We are already working with India on various health issues, including Avian influenza. We are working not only on the national but also at the local level. We want to develop our cooperation further,” he said.