Central African health ministers meet in DR Congo on A/H1N1 flu

Source: Xinhua | 05-13-2009 15:54

KINSHASA, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Health Ministers of the 11-member Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC) have met in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), on a joint action against the threat of influenza A/H1N1.

At the initiative by DR Congo's President Joseph Kabila, who is also the CEEAC president, health officials of central African countries held an extraordinary meeting on Monday to discuss the prevention of the novel killer disease in the region.

There has been no confirmed landing of the disease in Africa although suspected cases were reported in South Africa, Benin and Zambia recently.

According to sources close to the CEEAC health meeting, officials decided to reinforce health surveillance while intensifying preparations for a possible outbreak, especially the anti-virus medications such as Tamiflu, equipment and laboratories.

Central African countries also decided to enhance cooperation with local media, civil society and religious leaders to popularize the knowledge of the disease and its prevention.

The CEEAC officials vowed to improve information sharing with international health agencies in order to have quick feedback and reduce transmission risks.