SINGAPORE, March 3 (Xinhua) -- A multilateral pilot project aiming to control avian influenza in Indonesia will begin with the preparation phase immediately, according to a statement issued by Singapore's Ministry of Health Friday.

The project involves Singapore, the United States, Indonesia, as well as the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

Officials from participating parties met in Singapore Friday to discuss the details of the project, including the scope, project site, time frame and activities, roles and responsibilities of the partners, as well as the project budget.

Estimated to cost about 4.5 million U.S. dollars, the three- year project will be carried out in Tangerang Municipality of Indonesia's Banten Province, which covers an area of 200 square kilometers and has a population of 1.5 million.

It aims to implement Indonesia's national plan for the control of bird flu to reduce the prevalence of H5N1 bird flu there and test out how recommended approaches work on-the-ground. Experiences and lessons learnt are expected to be applied to other areas in Indonesia.

"Indonesia will lead the project in its management, providing on-site manpower, financial, and infrastructure support. The other partners may be involved in providing financial assistance and technical expertise," the statement said.

The project was proposed by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, U.S. President George W. Bush and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in South Korea's Busan last November.

Source: Xinhua