Act locally but think globally to combat flu: PM

Dec 06:  Warning against the threat caused by bird flu Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphasised on the need of more funding to deal with pandemics like avian influenza, while addressing the global ministerial conference on “Avian and Pandemic Influenza” in New Delhi.

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“Many pledges have been fulfilled,” said Prime Minister, “however we need more funding”.

He said the International community must renew its commitment to deal with the disease, which has killed more than 200 people since 2003.

We should guard against institutional fatigue and never lowering our guard against this pandemic disease.

Eternal vigilance is indeed the price of good health for both our people as well as our economies, said Mr Singh.

John Lange, the special representative at avian and pandemic influenza said US would announce the increase in funding later in the conference.

The United States had already pledged $434 million in international assistance, a year ago, said Lange.

In dealing with pandemics and public health challenges, we need a multi-pronged strategy that brings together experts and activists, researchers and administrators, Government departments and civil society organisations, he said.

Singh further expressed his satisfaction over the pledges for funds made at the Beijing conference in 2006 as well as at Bamko conference but he said that we need more funding for better results.

Avian Influenza, like all pandemics, is today a global threat and we must all work together to find a global solution. Each of our Government will have to work locally, but think globally in dealing with this massive problem.

Avian flu in the poultry sector has caused huge economic losses and threatened the livelihood of many people. The best available strategy is to control it at the level of animal. Any let-up of tackling down this disease at the first frontier means at the level of animal could be catastrophe in consequences for human beings.

The government of India support the concept of ‘One Health’ based on an integrated approach to animal and human health, Mr Singh said adding that scientist are working hard continuously to find the perpetual solution in terms of appropriate vaccine to counter this pandemic disease. He said Indian scientists are developing vaccine for both human as well as poultry.

Indian companies are successfully producing Oseltamivir, the drug for avian influenza.

“In dealing with pandemics and public health challenges, we need a multi-pronged strategy that brings together experts and activists, researchers and administrators, Government departments and civil society organizations, said honourable Prime Minister.

World Health Organisation officials say nearly 20 percent of the global population will be affected during the next bird flu pandemic.