United Nations Radio

UN Calling Asia - a weekly magazine programme, in English, that keeps you in touch with UN developments covering Asia and the Pacific

Dr. Margaret Chan

The World Health Organization this week raised its alert on H1N1 influenza to level 5 - a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent. WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan has called on countries to activate their pandemic preparedness plans and to remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illnesses and severe pneumonia. WHO has been providing updates on the disease since it first surfaced in the United States and Mexico in March. So far, 11 countries have reported laboratory-verified cases. Only one-New Zealand-is in the Asia-Pacific region.

Asian countries encouraged to build a common, sustainable future

Dr Noeleen Heyzer

The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) this week held its annual session. The meeting also served as cause for celebration as ESCAP observed the 60th anniversary of its presence in Thailand. In this report, ESCAP Executive Secretary Dr. Noeleen Heyzer explains why it is important for countries in the region to build a common, sustainable future-particularly in light of the recent challenges brought on by the global financial and economic crises.

Afghan families increase income through FAO dairy project

Delivery of milk by children

A dairy project started by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has become a cash cow for families in four provinces in Afghanistan. Nearly 2,000 families have seen their incomes increase by as much as fivefold from the sale of milk, cheese, butter and yogurt that they produce. The project began in 2003 and FAO hopes to expand it throughout the country, thus helping to reduce dairy imports while providing decent livelihoods-especially for women.

Producer: Dianne Penn
Duration: 14'00"