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Red
Cross Red Crescent prevented from preparing for avian flu spread and
human influenza pandemic risk 16 June 2006 Two months after the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched a global appeal for 17.4 million Swiss Francs (USD 13.4 million/EUR 11 million) to combat the spread of avian flu and reduce the risk of a human influenza pandemic, the coverage of the appeal remains worryingly low at only 3.2 per cent. This means the International Federation is limited in its support to member Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies for preparedness measures and response. “Avian flu and a possible human pandemic are a real threat. Though the media headlines have disappeared the risk has not,” says Dr. Pierre Duplessis, the International Federation’s Special Envoy for Avian Flu. “We need to put preventive measures in place now as this will help communities worldwide to be better prepared should a crisis occur. An investment of 17 million Swiss francs is a good investment to save lives”, he adds. Current resources and support mechanisms for a global response are not sufficient. The participation of communities to combat larger outbreaks of avian flu or the possibility of a human pandemic is crucial. Therefore prevention and social mobilization are essential. Communities must learn how to protect themselves to prevent the spread of the virus. Over the past 9 months, more than 90 National Societies have initiated, through their trained volunteers and staff, a range of activities to contribute to reducing the exposure levels for community members at risk from avian influenza such as small scale poultry farmers, backyard poultry owners, rural poultry traders, women and children. National Societies in many countries, on all continents, have conducted public education campaigns, house-to-house visits in rural communities, information workshops for staff and volunteers and distributed protective equipment or hygiene supplies. In addition, the role of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is to provide information on management of sick and dead animals, carry out early detection of human cases and provide home-based care and psychosocial support. A crucial part of the International Federation’s response will be to provide special training for at least 50,000 volunteers and staff to respond to the specific nature of this crisis. Relief stocks will be pre-positioned to deal with new outbreaks. “With migration patterns of wild birds commencing again in July, the risk of avian flu spreading across more countries and continents is real. Therefore the threat of a human pandemic will increase. We need to take preventive action now,” says Dr. Adelheid Marschang, Senior Health Officer at the International Federation. For years the International Federation has lobbied donors to support disaster preparedness measures against risks such as avian flu. In the past, preparedness measures have helped to minimize the effect of SARS, ebola and malaria. The key advantage of disaster preparedness is that it is more cost effective than disaster response. Prevention is cheaper than cure. In addition, with no vaccine yet available to counter H5N1 in humans, parallel efforts in hygiene control and education are key for risk reduction amongst vulnerable communities. The International Federation is co-ordinating its action with the ICRC, the World Health Organisation, and the United Nations Systems co-ordination mechanism at regional and global levels to ensure a complementary approach. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Sian Bowen, Manager, Media Service Tel. + 41 79 217 33 88 Jean-Luc Martinage, Media Officer Tel +41 79 217 33 86 Media Service Duty Phone (Out of hours) Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 183 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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