World Bank and World Health Organization work out National Plan for preparations to avian flue pandemic for Azerbaijan

According to Novosti-Azerbaijan, the due announcement was made by Kamran Garakhanlu, head of WHO Azerbaijan representation, who added that the document is on the stage of ratification by the State Commission for Avian Flu.

He said WHO cooperate closely and fruitfully with the Health Ministry of Azerbaijan in the sphere of combat with avian flue like in other spheres. "Since the first day of reveal of avian flue threat in Azerbaijan, the World Health Organization has been cooperating with the national medical bodies in this direction", he said.

"We consider that Azerbaijan's readiness for avian flue/ pandemic is quite adequate. Today, Azerbaijan has a laboratory, which is equipped with due facilities and qualified specialists, who were trained abroad.

Due amendments have been introduced to the system of epidemiological control. Mechanism of sending suspicious samples for ratification in the WHO reference laboratory in London has been established".

Garakhanly added that in the framework of preparations for avian flu/pandemic flu virus in Azerbaijan, the WHO experts prepared technical documentation on reconstruction of medical centers, envisioned for treatment of avian flu and other highly pathogenic diseases, and presented it to the Ministry of Health.

Instructions on combat with H5N1 virus among people and a detailed plan of actions have been prepared. The said plan has been worked out with participation of the Ministry of Health.

"Both documents were ratified by the Ministry of Health on March 16 of 2008 and came in force", Garakhanly announced

8 cases of avian flu, including 5 deaths, were recorded among people in Azerbaijan in 2006.