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Ethiopia-based UN Staff Learn to be prepared for Influenza A H1N1
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 19 May 2009 (ECA) – Ethiopia-based UN Staff learned about measures being taken to protect themselves and their families against the Influenza A H1N1 pandemic should it occur here, during a Town Hall meeting, on Tuesday 19 May 2009.
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, said he was encouraged by the speed at which the UN country team has worked to construct a contingency plan.
“The minute it (Influenza A H1N1) happened, we rallied together,” he said. “And we’re here today to give you assurance based on what we know now. Influenza A H1N1 is a cause for concern, but not fear.”
The meeting was arranged by the UN Ethiopia Crisis Management Team, which was established nearly a month ago in response to the Influenza A H1N1 outbreak.
Speaking to a full house in the Addis Ababa UN Conference Centre, Dr. Fatoumata Nafo-Traore the representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Ethiopia, explained the basics of the virus. Influenza A H1N1 is similar to the virus that causes seasonal flu, with some differences on the genetic level. Seasonal flu kills between 250,000 to half a million people around the world each year, she said. This new virus has killed less than 100 so far. But it is of concern because humans have not yet built up an immunity against it, she said.
Dr. Nafo-Traore also explained the different alert stages that WHO uses when dealing with a possible pandemic. Currently the world is at stage 5, which signals that a pandemic could be imminent. And while no outbreaks have occurred in Africa at the moment she said we cannot operate in isolation.
“We need to make sure Ethiopia is well prepared,” she said. “We all have to interact with each other as a global village.”
Security Adviser Mr. Samuel Akorimo explained the UN’s Influenza A H1N1 contingency plan. The contingencies included: a 24- hour virus hotline; flyers, leaflets and brochures to explain the virus and how to combat it. UN vehicles have been identified for use during a pandemic; and systems to pay for medications and staff are in place.
In addition, the warden system is to be revived, which Mr. Akorimo said would be a big help to staff.
“The warden system is about you,” he said. “I want to appeal to all staff to participate in this process.”
Dr. Grace Fombad Officer in Charge of the UN Health Care Centre, explained how the clinic would handle staff during a pandemic. Her advice: In the pandemic phase, do not panic and if you have flu-like symptoms, do not come to the clinic, yet.
“Call,” she said. “You will then be asked a series of questions to help us determine the severity of the disease.” She added that the questions will also determine if a patient needs to come to clinic or can be helped at home.
Dr. Fombad also explained the difference between a cold and flu and why flu was considered deadly. The main difference is the flu can cause Pneumonia and can compromise breathing, as it gets deep into the lungs. It is airborne and spreads through contact between people.
Dr. Fombad also stressed that the clinic does have enough Tamiflu to treat adult staff, but not enough for children of staff. “But we are working to get more” she added.
Staff were provided with a pocket-sized leaflet about Influenza A H1N1 with advice on how to protect themselves and others against it.
The Influenza A H1N1 24-hour Hotline number is +251 (0) 115 440445
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