ODA in Myanmar
The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) opened a foot-and-mouth disease diagnosis lab in Naypyidaw, the capital city of Myanmar, on Sept. 22 (local time).
At present, it is estimated that there are approximately 17 million heads of cattle and buffalo in Myanmar. The animals are so essential for the agriculture of the country that the locals call them rice bowls. However, foot-and-mouth disease has continued to kill them, while threatening even the health of the people.
Under the circumstances, the government of Myanmar asked the Korean government to provide advanced diagnostic equipment and techniques three years ago. The Korean government answered to the request by investing US$3 million via the aid agency and sharing its knowledge of how it became a country free from the disease in 2002.