The AI Kit - An Educational Tool for Communities Release
100,000 Hamlets to Get the AI Kit
31 May 2007, Tenggulun Timur, West Java – An ambitious project to deliver vital information about avian influenza (AI) directly into the hands of thousands of Indonesian hamlets officially kicked-off today in this West Java village.
From left to right, bayu Krisnamurti, chief executive of KOMNAS FBPI, Eep Hidayat, chief district of Subang, Ading Suherman, chief of subdistrict Kalijati, and Suheri the village head of Tangulun Timur during delivering vital information about avian influenza in the village of Tangulun Timur, Subang, West Java Indonesia on May 31, 2007. The Ai kit will be distributed to 100,000 hamlet leaders in high risk areas containing masks, a street banner, bird-fle vcd, liquid shop, bar shop, as well as sticker, flyier and booklet that explain effective way to reduce the risk of the H5N1 avian flu virus.Photo by UNICEF/Edy Purnomo

The AI Kit is a powerful teaching tool that will be distributed to 100,000 hamlet leaders in high-risk areas. Each kit contains masks, gloves, a street banner, two bird-flu VCDs, liquid soap, bar soap, as well as stickers, flyers and a booklet that explain effective ways to reduce the risk of contracting the H5N1 avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu. Hamlet leaders can use the kits to share information about bird flu with their communities and demonstrate effective practices that can help stop transmission of the virus. The National Committee for Avian Influenza Control and Pandemic Preparedness (KOMNAS FBPI), together with UNICEF, is distributing the free kits. The AI Kit is believed to a global first in raising awareness about AI.

“These AI Kits are a simple way to inform your communities about bird flu,” said Bayu Krisnamurthi, Chief Executive of KOMNAS FBPI, who kicked-off the project here today.
Bayu Krisnamurti, chief executive of KOMNAS shows AI kit during delivering vital information about avian influenza in the village of Tangulun Timur, Subang, West Java Indonesia on May 31, 2007. The Ai kit will be distributed to 100,000 hamlet leaders in high risk areas containing masks, a street banner, bird-fle vcd, liquid shop, bar shop, as well as sticker, flyier and booklet that explain effective way to reduce the risk of the H5N1 avian flu virus. Photo by UNICEF/Edy Purnomo

Bayu explained that several cases of human H5N1 infection in Indonesia occurred because the victims were not aware of the major bird-flu risk factors - including contact with sick poultry - and they were not aware of simple, effective precautions that can reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

“Households face the greatest risk from avian influenza across Indonesia. This kit is a way to reach households at the hamlet level,” he said. Bayu thanked UNICEF for coming with the idea for the AI Kit and working hard to make it a reality.

“This is a chance for everyone to discuss the issue of bird flu and find ways to solve it. I urge you to take this opportunity and play an important role in reducing this important threat. The bird flu problem cannot be solved unless we all work together and take action now. The commitment you make today could save many, many lives.”

“Use this kit. Find out about bird flu. Tell your neighbors about it and how to lower their chances of contracting the virus,” added UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Farhan, who was also on hand to officially launch the AI Kit here today. “Not only has bird flu claimed dozens of lives but it has also hurt many people who have lost their birds to this deadly virus.  Children are especially vulnerable and should not be allowed to come into contact with poultry. They need our protection.”
Indonesian celebrities, Mohamad Farhan washes his hands inside that built by the community of Tangulun village during delivering vital information about avian influenza in the village of Tangulun Timur, Subang, West Java Indonesia on May 31, 2007. The Ai kit will be distributed to 100,000 hamlet leaders in high risk areas containing masks, a street banner, bird-fle vcd, liquid shop, bar shop, as well as sticker, flyier and booklet that explain effective way to reduce the risk of the H5N1 avian flu virus.. Photo by UNICEF/Edy Purnomo
 
The AI Kit is already having an impact here in Tenggulun Timur hamlet. Community leaders, inspired by information in the AI Kit, have decided to build a free public hand-washing facility. Hand washing with soap is an effective way to reduce the risk of contracting avian influenza.

The private-sector firm UNILEVER donated liquid and bar soap for the AI Kit, while the American development agency USAID-CBAIC donated VCDs.

The H5N1 avian influenza virus, also known as bird flu, is a highly pathogenic virus that primarily affects birds. In rare cases, it can also infect humans. To date, there have been 97 confirmed human cases of H5N1 influenza in Indonesia, and 77 confirmed human fatalities – more than any other country. Nearly half of all cases are children. The disease has also killed millions of chickens and other birds in Indonesia, and has had a significant impact on poultry farmers across the country.  Experts fear the virus could mutate into a new form that spreads easily between people, with the potential to set off a human influenza pandemic.

There are steps that every Indonesian can take to lower the risk of contracting the H5N1 virus.

  1. Do not touch sick or dying birds; if you do, immediately wash your hands and report to local authorities.
  2. Wash your hands and utensils with soap and water before you eat or cook. Cook all poultry and eggs well.
  3. Separate your birds and separate all new flocks for two weeks.
  4. Go immediately to a health clinic if you have a fever with flu-like symptoms and have had contact with birds.

For Information about the AI Kit and about avian influenza please visit our website at www.komnasfbpi.go.id  or contact:

KOMNAS Media Center
Arie Rukmantara
0817754548
rukmantara@gmail.com

Andika Aji Pambudi
08569875090
andika.aji@gmail.com