Ethiopian Review

Addis Ababa – The World Health Organization (WHO) said the preventive measure being taken by Ethiopia against influenza A (H1N1) is encouraging.

WHO has provided more than 1.6 million US Dollars worth anti Influenza medicine that would help the country to confront a possible pandemic.

WHO country representative in Ethiopia, Dr. Fatumata Nafo-Traore handed over the medicine to Health State Minister, Dr. Kebede Worku here on Saturday.

Speaking at the occasion, the representative said the new flu has been easily spreading in different parts of the world posing a serious threat.

Nafo-Traore said WHO has raised the alert level from 4 to 5. Stage 5 is characterized “by human to human spread of the virus occurring in at least two countries within a WHO region.

African countries are not yet affected by the Influenza A (H1N1).

The representative appreciated the preventive measures being taken by the ministry to address the looming flu.

Speaking on his part, the state minister said the country is executing several Influenza A (H1N1) preventive activities. The support being provided by the WHO would enable the country further enhance the preventive capacity.

Dr. Kebede said health facilities in the country are ready to make diagnosis on Influenza A (H1N1) cases and prevent the flu. Early warning measures have already been taken at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa and boarder areas.

As of, 22 May 2009, 42 countries have officially reported 11, 168 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 86 deaths.

- ENA