Swine flu scare should be a wake-up call

Sep 29, 2009

SINCE it was declared a global pandemic in June, the swine flu virus has been identified in over 180 countries. The World Health Organisation predicts that there will be a rapid spread of the virus in the coming months and has urged governments to step up

FROM THE EDITOR

SINCE it was declared a global pandemic in June, the swine flu virus has been identified in over 180 countries. The World Health Organisation predicts that there will be a rapid spread of the virus in the coming months and has urged governments to step up their precautionary measures.

The recent detection of the virus in Bushenyi should be a wake up call. Although the education ministry says the situation is under control, parents have a reason to remain apprehensive.

The epidemic has hit at a critical time in the school calendar when schools are preparing for end of year exams. It should be noted that the examination period is sensitive and an epidemic of this nature might traumatise candidates and impact negatively on their performance.

The district education office in the affected regions should arrange to have the candidates and all children reassured before they face their exams. The education and health ministries need to join hands with the district leaders to step up sensitisation at grass roots.

Since schools interact closely with communities, control measures need to be collaborated in a manner that involves communities.Swine flu is an enemy that must be fought jointly.

Given the cross-border movements, it takes more than just sufficient resources to deal with a global pandemic.

The education and health ministries should be commended for their effort at containing the spread of the swine flu virus. However, the ministries should be more proactive than reactive in handling epidemics of this nature in future.

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