UN holds workshop on Avian Flu preparations in West Africa

Bamako - Avian influenza, or "bird flu", is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect birds and - less commonly - pigs.

The H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus, which has been circulating in birds, has a unique capacity to mutate and jump species barrier causing a disease with high mortality in humans.

More than anywhere else in the world, Africa's efforts to curtail such viruses are thwarted by weak health systems, limited financial resources and insufficient technical capacity.

“Preparing to contain this disease rapidly is high priority for human, economic and social security in West African countries,” said Herve Ludovic de Lys, OCHA's Regional Director for West Africa.

In response to cases of avian influenza which first emerged on the continent in 2006, government authorities have taken measures to respond to the threat.

Since poultry and poultry products are key components of the basic diet in many African countries, people would have to locate other sources of protein if a pandemic broke out.

This would result in stock keepers losing income, a surge in prices and population movements to unaffected areas.

Therefore, improved surveillance, swift diagnostics, an informed population and behavioural changes are necessary for a rapid response.

The three-day workshop which ends Thursday brings together 14 nations, regional organisations, civil society representatives and UN agencies and their partners.

Participants will evaluate their levels of preparedness, take part in a simulation exercise using UN contingency plans and endeavour to improve communication with government institutions and civil society organisations.

This meeting is the second in a series, with the first having been held in Accra, Ghana, last week.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews