Commentary

Swine influenza (H1N1) pandemic: developing countries' perspective

Submitted: 30 June 2009 Published: 14 August 2009 Full text: You can view the full article, or view a printable version. Comments: (login to access the comments on this article) Author(s) : Khan MI, Akbar SF, Hossain ST, Mahtab MA.

Md. Sakirul Khan Sheikh Mohammad Akbar Shaikh Hossain Mamun Mahtab

Citation: Khan MI, Akbar SF, Hossain ST, Mahtab MA.  Swine influenza (H1N1) pandemic: developing countries' perspective. Rural and Remote Health 9: 1262. (Online) 2009. Available: http://www.rrh.org.au

Since the first case of the current pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus reported to WHO on 24 April 2009 on the American continent, the virus has spread in 160 countries and territories. By mid-2009, there were 135 000 cases and 816 deaths recorded. Pandemic preparedness is not advanced in most developing countries. Effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and appropriate medical care. The use of local resources and capacity building with the assistance of developed nations will reduce the impact of this pandemic in the developing world.

Keywords:  Developing countries, pandemic (H1N1), preparedness plans, surveillance.

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