Position Paper: Namibia (Tina)

Committee Name: Prevention of the spread of H1N1

Committee Topic: the committee on the prevention of the spread of H1N1.

Country Name: Republic of Namibia

At April, the virus H1N1, commonly known as Swine Flu, broke out first in Mexico, since then, H1N1 had the whole world on alert and had spread around the whole globe, killing at least 2,800 people. What sets H1N1 virus apart from other seasonal flu viruses is that studies have shown that H1Ni can cause more severe symptoms in people that are younger than 25, also high-risk groups including people over the age of 65, children under the age of five, pregnant women…etc. The symptoms of H1N1 include fever (about 38'C), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, and headache.

WHO had recommendations of the prevention of H1N1(the following):

• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose;
  
• Clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
  
• Avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
  
• Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
  
• Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
  
• Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
  
  

Namibia is fully alert of this worldwide spread of H1N1, we agree with the WHO, and the Ministry of Health of Namibia had already declared and advised Namibians: to seek immediate medical attention should people get sick, and depending on the symptoms, a healthcare provider will be able to determine whether or not flu testing or treatment is required.

Through the efforts of our National Health Emergency Management Committee, our Ministry of Health has also stockpiled Tamiflu, the drug that is being used globally for the treatment of H1N1, as well as swabs for laboratory testing on suspected cases.

Up to now only about 52 positive cases and one death had been reported in Namibia, and no more new cases of H1N1 had been reported in Namibia since September 3^rd. Although it seems that the virus had not been wide spread in Namibia, we are fully alert and we're willing to cooperate with health organizations such as WHO and help as much as we can to prevent the spread, we hope that with the efforts, this spread of H1N1 can be stopped.

References:

"News: Allafrica.com"

http://allafrica.com/stories/200909090411.html

http://allafrica.com/stories/200907240326.html

"WHO"

http://www.who.int/en/

"About.com"

http://ent.about.com/od/entdisordersgi/f/whatish1n1.htm