20 February 2006
In the interest of public health, the national Department of Health would
like to announce that the antiviral drug - Oseltamivir Phosphate or Tamiflu -
has been registered by the Medicines Control Council (MCC).
This means that the drug, which was previously unlicensed for use in South
Africa, can now be legally imported into the country for prescription purposes
with immediate effect. In the absence of a vaccine to prevent human infection
of the current virulent strain of the H5N1 avian flu strain, Tamiflu is
regarded as the best anti-viral drug for prophylaxis and treatment of the
virus.
The registration of the drug forms an important part of the country's
comprehensive preparations plans in the unlikely event of an influenza
pandemic, whose imminence remain uncertain. This will complement on the
parallel process of finalising the country's first Human Influenza Preparedness
Plan that provides a framework for the preparation and management for future
influenza pandemics. The draft plan is due for consideration by cabinet.
These two processes should be viewed within the context of government's
efforts to move in tandem with the rest of the world in ensuring that South
Africa prepares for contingency plans to best prevent and control future
pandemics. The department has already convened a meeting with the Tamiflu
manufacturers Roche to discuss logistical issues and also made a proposal that
certain quantities of stock of the drug be made available at government's
disposal on short notice.
The Department wishes to emphasise that these developments should by no
means be viewed as indicating an impending pandemic in the country but rather
as a means to further strengthen government's contingency preparations. South
Africa remains a Notifiable Avian Influenza free zone as declared by the World
Organisation of Animal Health and the European Union in 2005.
The country will continue to stay vigilant in its efforts to prevent any
importation of the H5N1 virus prevalent in some parts of the world including
Europe, South East Asia and West Africa. We will continue to work effortlessly
with our counterparts at the Department of Agriculture in strengthening our
animal health surveillance and monitoring systems to ensure rapid detection
while at the same time keeping a close eye on the ever changing global health
developments.
Enquiries: Solly Mabotha
Cell: 083 678 9860
Tel: (012) 312 0609
Issued by: Department of Health
20 February 2006
