Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Arab states to create swine flu alert network

5 May 2009

Riyadh. The 22-member Arab League said on Tuesday it was setting up a health ministry alert network because of the continuing global crisis over swine flu, or influenza A(H1N1).

After a meeting in Riyadh of the executive committee of members' health ministries, Saudi Health Minister Abdullah al-Rabia underlined "the importance of exchanging information and expertise, and immediately informing other countries of suspected cases" of the disease.

It was decided to name an official in each health ministry responsible for liaising with counterparts in other member states, a league statement said.

The official Saudi SPA news agency said the Arab League also planned a committee of experts to draw up contingency plans to fight the disease. No cases of swine flu have yet been reported in Arab states.

SPA said the league communique also stressed the need for prevention campaigns and coordinating with international bodies such as the World Health Organisation.

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