WHO urges governments to fight A/H1N1 flu

HAVANA, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Margaret Chan on Sunday called on governments to devise measures to fight the A/H1N1 flu outbreak that has hit 195 nations.

"The WHO considers that all governments should create a packet of measures to face the A/H1N1 flu virus," she said in a speech where she praised Cuba's "good work" in flu prevention and control.

Cuba is situated in the Western Hemisphere heavily stricken by A/H1N1 flu. Strict quarantine has been carried out at Cuba's border checkpoints including airports. Suspected patients and their close contacts are subject to a 40-day isolation for observation.

The Cuban government's achievements in establishing a medical care insurance system also "interest us a lot," Chan said.

Chan arrived in Havana late Saturday for a four-day visit. Besides having talks with Cuba's health officials, Chan will also visit some centers for medical research and biotechnology.