Africa hosts Avian influenza pandemic preparedness conference
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Dear All,
The 4th International Conference on Avian Influenza conference kicks off today, December 6, 2006, in Bamako, Mali. The conference is convened by the African Union, the European Union and the United States Government. Ahead of the conference, Solomon Sackitey, Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist at a global animal health corporation in the USA and DLHA award winning United Nations Online Volunteer of the Year 2006, canvassed for African policy makers at the conference to:
(a) Evolve grass-root level strategies for efficient and reliable distribution of bird flu medications to rural African communities;
(b) Increase awareness initiatives to call attention to counterfeit and adulterated drugs, vaccines, due diligence in the manufacture and distribution of such medicinal products and the minimization of corruptions;
(c) Consider the regulation of bird flu medications and harmonize Regulatory Affairs initiatives to inspect and qualify pandemic flu medications; as well as,
(d) Consider the formation of an African Regulatory Affairs Network (ARAN), to be made up of African and International Regulatory Affairs professionals.
Such efforts according to Sackitey should go a long way in supporting Africa and International efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in combating infectious diseases like the Avian influenza (bird flu) among others.
For the full text of Sackiteys policy oriented recommendations on the Avian influenza pandemic and Africas preparedness initiatives at the conference, visit:
http://www.datelinehealth-africa.net/betav1.0/news/detailnews.asp?news_id=18030
A. Odutola
Centre for Health Policy & Strategic Studies
34 Town Planning Way, Ilupeju
P.O. Box 7597, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel. +234-1-470 1255
Fax. +234-1-263 5285
Email: mailto:chpss_abo2@yahoo.com