‘€œWe are still learning about the severity of the ‘€˜Influenza A H1N1 2009 Pandemic’€™. The impact in African populations has yet to be seen. We, therefore, need more knowledge about the epidemiological, clinical and virological characteristics of the disease’€, said Dr Luis Gomes Sambo, WHO Regional Director for Africa.        

The African Region was the last to experience the pandemic amongst the six WHO regions, and concerns are mounting about its potential effect.

‘€œWhat is of particular concern to us as Africans is that, although the pandemic has spread to our continent last, we may be more severely affected by it ‘€, said Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.  

The concern is exacerbated by Africa’€™s burden of disease.  

‘€œIt is well known that this continent has always been worst affected by any outbreak of communicable diseases ‘€“ whether it is HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria, one or more of the haemorragic fevers. It is, therefore, essential for all countries within the continent to ensure that we are adequately prepared for all of these, but in the present context prepared to deal with the Influenza Pandemic’€, said Dr Motsoaledi.

Dr Sambo told the gathering that this influenza pandemic is ‘€œa new global public health issue of great concern’€, adding that, ‘€œefforts involving the WHO are mainly focused on mitigation of the effects of the pandemic through increased public awareness, preventative measures, case management, multi-sectoral response and global solidarity’€.

The South African Health Minister remains optimistic that Africa will be able to deal with the pandemic as it unfolds.      

‘€œWhat is of advantage for us is that we can learn from the experiences of others. Their experiences have shown that containing the virus is not possible and that resources are best spent on mitigating its effect on the community’€, said Dr Motsoaledi.

The WHO said that South Africa accounts for a higher number of reported cases in Africa. But it cautioned that the actual number, including unreported cases, may be higher in other African countries.

‘€œSouth Africa represents about 80 percent of reported cases. We believe that the situation may be more serious. The trend is on the increase in Africa.

South Africa is amongst the countries with better facilities, including laboratories for diagnostics. This may also be one of the reasons why we have more cases reported from South Africa’€, said Dr Sambo.

The WHO and the Department appealed to the public to help in managing the pandemic, by practicing basic hygiene, which includes good etiquette when coughing or sneezing and regular washing of hands.