As part of CARE International’s Avian Influenza (AI) programme, CARE International in Vietnam (CARE Vietnam) has developed a training manual entitled “Strengthening Training, Outreach and Prevention for the ongoing Avian Influenza (STOP AI).” The training manual is based on training courses carried out by CARE Vietnam's AI Team in Vietnam’s four provinces of Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, An Giang and Dong Thap. The training courses were carried out to increase the capacity of local authorities and organisations to respond to and prevent bird flu outbreaks. To this effect, the training provided local animal health and public health workers with AI knowledge and communication skills for avian flu prevention. According to the AI Team, the courses were very well received by participants and have been regarded as highly beneficial.

The CARE Vietnam AI Team developed this training manual to provide individuals and organisations in the communication field with more materials and resources to help in the fight against avian influenza. The manual focuses on some of the training needs encountered during project site visits, and its lessons and contents are based on participatory learning methods.

The manual includes basic information on AI in poultry and humans, behavior change communication skills and communication planning sessions. It also includes additional appendices that contain communication materials, handouts and case studies intended for distribution to participants upon the completion of the training course.

The training manual is designed to be used with an accompanying CD, which includes PowerPoint presentations on: AI Animal Health Training; AI Human Health Training; and AI Communication Skills Training. These PowerPoint presentations can also be downloaded from the CARE USA - Avian Flu website.