World Health Organisation (WHO) has provided 200,000 courses (20 lakh capsules) of Oseltamivir (an antiviral drug used in the treatment and prophylaxis of Influenzavirus infection) to the Government of Bangladesh recently as a part of Global Pandemic Influenza Preparedness — says a press release.
These were received by the Government in addition to its current stock of 40,000 doses. All countries have some stockpile of Oseltamivir, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and surgical masks kits to manage the possible outbreak.
WHO South East Asia Region Office (SEARO) has already distributed about 60 thousand doses of Oseltamivir and personal protection equipment to member states of this region. In addition, WHO Headquarters distributed Oseltamivir to 72 least developed countries for the treatment of Influenza(H1N1).
WHO also says that training is ongoing on the novel Influenza for health personnel and other immigration staffs at the airports. Surveillance of other Influenza like illness and Pneumonia has also been strengthened throughout the country for detection of any suspected cases.
As of now, no case of Influenza A (H1N1) has been reported in Bangladesh.
Source: The Daily Star, may 23, 2009
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