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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
South African health officials are closely monitoring international swine flu threats as the upcoming flu season - and the 2010 World Cup - approaches. About 1.3 million doses of swine flu vaccine have been ordered to deal with the expected outbreak. Although no new swine flu cases have been reported in the country this year, in 2009, 91 people died from the virus, which claimed almost 6000 lives worldwide. Project 2010 spoke to Dr Frew Benson, cluster manager for communicable diseases at the national Department of Health...  The department has installed thermal sensors to detect the virus in passengers and crew as they enter the country's airports. What else is being done to address this threat? National and Provincial Outbreak Response Teams will embark on a swine flu vaccination drive from March, well ahead of the World Cup kick-off. We are well prepared for this vaccination campaign - it is critical that we vaccinate all the high-risk groups. What else can be done? Well, of course, public education drives - encouraging people to take steps like washing their hands - coupled with the vaccination will make a difference. Are you working closely with FIFA to ensure that there isn't a serious threat for the World Cup? Yes, the Health Department has representatives on the FIFA committee and we are actively working with them to ensure that we meet all our (FIFA) requirements. Last year when South Africa hosted the Confederations Cup, there were concerns that swine flu' could jeopardise the tournament and there was even talk that it could be cancelled? Should we be worried now? No. Despite the fact that the World Cup is happening during the flu season, I believe all the necessary precautions have been taken. more interviews...
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