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Friday, October 28, 2005
Arroyo orders massive info drive on bird flu
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo directed a stepped-up information campaign on bird flu as part of measures to prevent the entry of the deadly avian-borne virus in the country and to keep the Philippines bird flu-free.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque had warned that it was just "a matter of time" before avian flu reaches the Philippines.
Arroyo, during the Eco Minds Asia Pacific Forum in Makati City, said the Philippines remain as the only country in the region that is not infected by the deadly strain of avian influenza.
Arroyo directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to assist the Department of Agriculture (DA) to come out in the media with information on maps of threatened areas in the country, especially areas where migratory birds could be found; a list of do's and don'ts when in contact with the birds; a list of avian flu symptoms and procedures to take when infection is suspected; communication materials and advertisements about bird flu; and broadcast releases of bird flu inspection and screening procedures of the various government offices.
The government has set aside P160 million to address any outbreak of the disease and an initial P40 million has already been released for the information drive and the purchase of gloves and protective equipment for agricultural personnel who may have to handle infected birds.
The health department has also upgraded 21 major hospitals in anticipation of the possible influx of patients in the event of a bird flu outbreak.
The bird flu strain began sweeping through poultry populations in Asia in 2003 and has killed or forced the culling of millions of birds and caused the death of 60 people in Southeast Asia, mostly in Vietnam and Thailand. (JMR/Sunnex)
(October 28, 2005 issue)
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6 killed, 50 others trapped in mine blast