DAI Launches New Health Sector

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International development firm DAI today announced the launch of a new Health sector that will lead the company's provision of integrated health services and expertise to donors, governments, and philanthropies worldwide.

"This is an exciting expansion for DAI, and it's fitting that we announce it on World AIDS Day," said Jerry Martin, Managing Director of the new Health sector. "For decades, DAI has been working in health, whether by providing veterinary services, helping prepare for and control disease outbreaks, improving the livelihoods of HIV/AIDS-affected populations, ensuring food safety, or providing cleaner water and a healthier environment. Our expertise in these disciplines has now reached a critical mass; in launching a standalone Health sector, we are providing the additional organizational resources that will enable us to deliver a truly integrated suite of health and development services to new and existing clients."

DAI's Health team will focus interventions where human health and livelihoods intersect with animal health and environmental concerns. Building on our existing work in pandemic preparedness and response, animal health, HIV/AIDS prevention, livelihoods and nutrition, and water and sanitation, DAI will provide services to help put the "one world, one health" concept into practice.

The Health team will work in areas complementary to our existing development programs, including:

• Animal Health - veterinary services, zoonotic disease control, biosafety and biosecurity measures
• Behavior Change Communication - public awareness campaigns, community mobilization
• Food Safety - sanitary and phytosanitary standards, safe handling practices
• HIV/AIDS Prevention - workplace-based awareness programs
• Livelihoods, Economic Strengthening, and Nutrition - income-generating activities for vulnerable populations, household nutrition gardens, microfinance
• Avian and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response - pandemic preparedness strategies and contingency planning, outbreak mapping, veterinary and public health training
• Water and Sanitation - access to clean water, improved hygiene, financing for water infrastructure, water and sanitation policy

For more information on DAI's work in the Health sector, visit www.dai.com or email Rhiannon Gulick at rhiannon_gulick@dai.com.

DAI is an international development firm dedicated to promoting stability, equity, and prosperity in developing nations. Since 1970, DAI has worked in 150 countries, providing comprehensive development solutions in areas including HIV/AIDS, avian influenza control, agriculture and agribusiness, crisis mitigation and recovery, democratic governance and public sector management, private sector development and financial services, economics and trade, and water and natural resources management. Clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and host-country governments. We currently implement 99 projects in more than 60 countries. DAI's global revenues exceeded $310 million in 2007.