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CONGO: Boost for flu preparedness

BRAZZAVILLE, 11 May 2009 (IRIN) - The Republic of Congo (ROC) has set up a national emergency management committee to step up swine flu monitoring and detection, the Minister of Health said.

"In case of an epidemic, there must be a working structure," said Health Minister Emilienne Raoul. "We have taken measures to prepare for the response and care of persons in case of an outbreak of the influenza H1N1."

The hybrid virus so far has no vaccine, according to specialists.

The ROC has adapted an epidemic preparation and response plan from 2008 for the new strain, she said. Many countries were adapting contingency plans they had in place for H5N1, or avian flu.

According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) country representative, Mamadou Ball, the ROC has supplies of the anti-viral Tamiflu (oseltamivir) being used to treat the disease.

WHO has also accredited at least 15 African laboratories to carry out flu testing. The laboratory in Brazzaville will be accredited soon, said Ball.

According to Raoul, the Tamiflu will be distributed for free. "We are crossing our fingers that this crisis will not affect our [country]. It is a catastrophe," she said.

Meanwhile, suspected flu cases in Benin (one), Seychelles (four) and Zambia (one) are under investigation, according to a WHO update.

Globally, as of 7 May, 24 countries had officially reported 2,371 cases. Mexico has reported 1,112 laboratory-confirmed human cases of infection, including 42 deaths. The US has reported 896 laboratory-confirmed human cases, including two deaths.

According to Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, speaking in Bangkok on 8 May: "The world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than at any time in history, thanks, in part, to ... vigilance and diligence.

“This is a time of great uncertainty for all countries, and great pressure on ministers and ministries of health. The only certain thing that can be said about influenza viruses is that their behaviour is entirely unpredictable. No one can say how the current situation will evolve.”

She added that treatment courses from the WHO stockpile were being shipped to more than 70 countries in the developing world.

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