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Kathmandu, Nepal, 9 September
2009: Although Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is spreading faster than any other flu in
the past, prompt use of public health measures combined with a sound strategy
for case management can control and mitigate the impact on health services
and economy.
“WHO continues to closely monitor the geographical spread
of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Member States will need to continue updating their
plans accordingly. “It is important to
allocate appropriate resources and maintain the overall pandemic
preparedness”, said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director for
South-East Asia. “A winter surge is a real
possibility in the South-East Asia Region. WHO is closely monitoring the
virus for genetic mutation and drug resistance”, he added. Dr Plianbangchang
was speaking to journalists at WHO’s South-East Asia
Regional Committee meeting in Kathmandu.
The importance of public health measures such as frequent
hand-washing, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, and social distancing
measures such as voluntary isolation for slowing down the surge, need to be
emphasized to the public. In general, identifying sick students and keeping
them at home is more beneficial than school closures. Health systems and
hospitals in Member States need to remain prepared for a surge of severe
cases requiring active case management with antiviral and other supportive
measures.
WHO is actively providing assistance for increasing
vaccine production capacity in South-East Asia. The
organization has transferred technology and development funds to three major
vaccine manufacturers in the Region. These manufacturers will have a
collective capacity of about 220 million doses annually, with a surge
capacity for another 200 million doses over one year. However, the pandemic
flu vaccine may not be available in time for the winter surge. “Vaccine
manufacturing capacity is finite. We have to ensure rational distribution of
this vaccine when available” said Dr Plianbangchang.
WHO will continue to guide countries in prioritizing
vulnerable groups for vaccination.
For any clarification or additional information, please
contact Ms Vismita Gupta-Smith, Public Information Advocacy Officer, at
mobile : + 977- 9849361629, +91 9871329861; e-mail guptasmithv@searo.who.int
All press releases, fact sheets and other WHO media material may be found at: www.searo.who.int.
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