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.