Brazzaville, 12 January 2006 --The first conference on preparedness and response to pandemic influenza in the African Region has been inaugurated by the Regional Director for WHO African Region, Dr Luis Gomes Sambo, in the presence of the gathering of outstanding specialists, development partners and representatives of Member States from veterinary and public health sectors.

This meeting was organized as a follow up of the 55th annual meeting of Health Ministers from Member States of the African Region held in Maputo, in collaboration With FAO,OIE,AU,UNICEF,USAID.

The Regional Director for WHO African Region has drawn the attention of Member States and the general public to the current trend of avian influenza in Asia and Europe and the threat of a human pandemic. Although transmission of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) has not been reported in the WHO African Region, cases of the Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N2) have occurred in South Africa in 2004 and Zimbabwe in 2005 among ostriches.

Dr Luis Gomes Sambo urged Member States to develop and implement comprehensive preparedness plans taking into account the multi-sectoral nature of avian influenza transmission. He reiterated on the need to reinforce collaboration among key sectors including agriculture, wild life authorities and human health services as well as the private sector and communities. He noted with appreciation initiatives already taken by a number of Member States in the Region to formulate national pandemic influenza preparedness plans.

The Regional Director further appealed to partners in Agriculture and Health to provide support to Member States in implementing strategies for enhancing their preparedness and response to avian influenza and human pandemic.

Dr Luis Gomes Sambo reaffirmed WHO commitment to providing, in collaboration with partners, Member States with technical assistance in the development and implementation of national preparedness and response plans.

During this meeting participants will review and make contributions for strengthening the draft Regional Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan.