Press Release
September 12, 2009

Preventing another flu spread
Angara bats for more effective prevention of cases

With the advent of A(H1N1) becoming the "dominant influenza" in most parts of the world Senator Edgardo J. Angara emphasized the need for health systems to be at the forefront of discovering cures and solution to emerging viruses and reminds the public about precautions to avoid flu spread in the country.

"Health experts of the countries reportedly affected by the H1N1 needs to be more aggressive in the fight of this pandemic flu. This situation stresses the need for an effective health system that will push for importance of universal access to health care and strengthen primary health assistance," said Angara who formerly chaired the Senate Committee on Health.

According to the World Health Organization, the A(H1N1) virus has become the "dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world." With the coming of the winter months, the WHO said, a second wave of the flu pandemic is expected to sweep many nations. And when this happens, some countries might see the number of cases doubling every three or four days, causing the death toll to rise correspondingly.

He added, "It is important for government to come out with regular and frequent bulletins on what to do to avoid contracting the illness and since a vaccine against H1N1 has yet to be formulated, we've got to be more cautious in preventing the spread of the disease."

Angara emphasized that the establishment of an effective health system will serve as a potent key in fighting this epidemic and preventing other related diseases or viruses to erupt.

Studies show that that spread of the virus to the southern hemisphere could have a harsher impact especially since population in this area is more vulnerable, younger and often live in crowded area.

The senator, who is the current Finance Committee chair, cited that the heightened alert calls on all countries to activate an emergency response plan, to spur pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the production of antiviral drugs and development of a vaccine, and to urge aid institutions to help poor countries afford measures to fight the virus.

He added that to cure is not enough. He said, it is for betterment that we prevent alarming diseases to enter our premise and create a mechanism to detect and equip ourselves with necessary facilities and medications.

WHO reported 28 death cases in the Philippines and 254,206 cases worldwide. Despite the alarming rate of A(H1N1) cases The Department of Health stopped giving daily updates on the spread of the flu, saying these were only causing needless anxiety among the people.

"Communicating the situation to the public is very important, it is important not to spur chaos or create public panic. Hence, there is a need to balance information and make the people aware of the risks. A successful response is one that engages a well informed public in the ongoing effort to battle the crisis," said Angara.

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