Government lays comprehensive plans to deal with swine flu

By Ofentse Mokae
13 August 2009

As part of its regular meetings, Cabinet met yesterday and among the issues discussed was the current H1N1 Influenza pandemic.

Cabinet decided to mount an enhanced national response to build on what has already been done so far by the Department, the Education Department, NICD and the World Health Organisation.

Health ministers Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi together with his education counter parts will send letters to all school principals, heads of institutions of higher learning.

These letters will describe the challenges that the country face and advice school principals on what action they need to take.

In a media statement Motsoaledi says he will also be sending personal letters to leaders of all major faith groups, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and social workers as well as business leaders.

“In these letters I will call upon the leaders to share information on the virus with their respective groups,” said Motsoaledi.

In addition to letters, the he will also be recording advertorials this afternoon that will be broadcast on national TV and radio and community radio stations.

“Pamphlets and posters will also be distributed in local communities in their languages, at taxi ranks, shopping malls and other public places to further spread information on the virus, the symptoms and what we need to do to ensure mitigation of its impact,” he added.

At present his department have a functional hotline for health workers who may have queries.

This is operated by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases.