Geneva: Speaking on behalf of SADC, during the discussion of the statement by the Director-General (DG) of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Margaret Chan, Dr Sefularo suggested that "the high burden of disease, together with the high population growth rate and fertility rate, coupled with an average per capita income less than United States Dollars (US$) 1 000, clearly has a significant impact on the health status of the peoples of the region."
"Although some significant improvements have been recorded in recent years, SADC countries continue to experience high infant and maternal mortality rates.
The recent global economic crisis has the potential to erode the gains made in maternal and child health in the region, as resources for this may not realise expected increases. The growing epidemic of tuberculosis (TB), multi drug resistant (MDR) and extreme drug resistant (XDR) TB also stands to be exacerbated by diminishing resources in the current economic climate," he said.
The World Health Assembly, which was supposed to sit for two weeks, has had to reduce its sitting to one week only, due to the fact that "health officials need to be in their countries during this period of a threat of an influenza pandemic", according to Dr Chan.
In this regard Dr Sefularo informed the Assembly that the SADC region has put in place preparedness and response plans both at regional and national levels by focusing on limiting the health impact and economic and social disruption in an anticipated outbreak. He also called for WHO assistance as countries take stock of their Tamiflu. "As the SADC Region, we would like to make an earnest appeal to the WHO to continue to be attentive and responsive to both the collective and individual needs of all SADC countries" he said.
For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 312 0663
Cell: 079 517 3333
Issued by: Ministry of Health
20 May 2009
Source: Department of Health (http://www.doh.gov.za)
