No swine flu vaccines in developing countries yet

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that vaccine to reduce the effects of swine flu pandemic is not yet available in the developing countries.

No fewer than 27 deaths and 5,035 confirmed cases of the pandemic have been reported in 23 countries in Africa.

Director General of WHO, Dr Margaret Chan disclosed this recently at a special session of the 59th WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Kigali, Rwanda.

Dr. Chan, however, added that the vaccine is presently undergoing clinical trials and being administered in some developed countries, but yet to reach the African shores.

Some countries in Africa had recently raised concerns over the demand by the Saudi Arabian authorities that all pilgrims must be immunized against the swine flu before being allowed to perform this year’s Hajj.

Lamenting over the inability of the organization to source for funds that will be channeled to fight the swine flu, the WHO boss said a fund must be put aside to deal with epidemics as they occur, as it was difficult to acquire funds when it is needed.

Dr Chan, who was moved to tears while speaking, decried the situation where most countries are undergoing yet another pandemic in the face of so many health issues and economic meltdown.

While calling for a collective pool of support and funds to assist affected countries, she said “no developing country should be allowed to face this pandemic alone; we must as a continent support each other to fight this”.

She pointed out that the vaccines which are still undergoing clinical trials would soon be ready; advising that countries must be on alert to treat immediately it is diagnosed “because it is a tricky situation”.

Also speaking at the session, Nigeria’s Health Minister, Professor Babatunde Osotimehin, expressed grave concern over the non availability of vaccines needed in African countries, saying it was a challenge which the continent could not handle.

The minister, however, challenged WHO to ensure that Africa is given first priority whenever the vaccines are available; due to the peculiar circumstances that surrounds the system.

Minister Advocates New health Admin in Africa

As part of a new global initiative to meet the basic health needs of the people by various governments in Africa, Nigeria’s Health Minister, Professor Babatunde Osotimehin has advocated for the domestication of the new ‘Health District’ strategy of health administration in the region.

Professor Osotimehin made this call in Kigali, Rwanda when he chaired the Roundtable discussion on Sharing Best Practices in Strengthening Local or District Health Systems during the 59th Regional Committee meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Kigali, Rwanda.
The session received presentations from the Health Ministers of Ghana, Burkina Faso, Rwanda and Uganda.

Professor Osotimehin emphasized that meeting the basic health needs of the people requires government to define policies and ensure their successful implementation at local or district level.
A ‘health district’ he posited, refers to a clearly defined administrative area covering a population at which some form of local government or administration takes over many responsibilities from central government departments.

The minister added that the concept of District Health System, widely promoted by WHO is the most important level for improving efficiency and responding to local health priorities and demands with focus on high impact health interventions.
The district, he reiterated is in a better position to address local challenges through seizing local opportunities and responding to people’s health needs.

The roundtable which would enable countries to share experiences and lessons learned in strengthening their local or district health systems to scale up essential health interventions, when domesticated, would have the potential of being replicated or adapted in other countries in the region.