As flu pandemic declared, leaders must focus on poor countries to avert "bleaker picture"

11.06.09 - 22:44 ... source : World Vision

... Contact: Geraldine Ryerson-Cruz, 202.615.2608 Aid Agency Commends WHO's Chan for Highlighting Developing World's Needs Amid H1N1 Flu ThreatGeneva, June 11, 2009—As the World Health Organization today raised the pandemic alert for Influenza A(H1N1) to its highest level, humanitarian specialists are calling on governments and health authorities globally to strengthen poor communities' access to primary health care and protect the most at risk.Impoverished people in developing countries are especially vulnerable to outbreaks given the prevalence of existing pandemics and weak health systems, warns World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization working in 100 countries. The aid group's health and policy specialists are encouraging authorities and staff to remain vigilant as the number of confirmed cases and deaths continue to increase and spread to regions with de ...» Next (HTML)