Seychelles: Stakeholders test bird flu preparedness plan

I had to look this place up....they are having another go-round to make sure they are prepared in the event of a H5N1 pandemic.

Seychelles is an archipelago which lies in the western part of the Indian Ocean, and spreads over an Exclusive Economy Zone of around 1.3 million Square kilometers.

Lying 1593 km East of Kenya, 2813 km South West of India and 925 km North East of Madagascar makes this archipelago strategically located. It consists of 115 islands, of which 76 are coralline and the remaining are granitic. The main part of the archipelago is situated between 4 and 5 degrees South of the equator at a longitude between 55 and 56 degrees east, allowing it to enjoy a favorable climate. But Seychelles is also lucky to be situated in a zone free from cyclones.

All the main islands are granitic and Mahe is the principal island (153 skm with 80% of the total population). The estimated population is 80,000 in 1998.

15.04.2010

How prepared are we to deal with a possible outbreak of bird flu in Seychelles? How effective are the measures already in place and how fast will we react to prevent and contain an outbreak of the viral disease?

These are questions that are being addressed in a two-day table top simulation exercise for all stakeholders and partners involved in preventing the disease from entering the country, controlling it if it does, and containing its spread.

The Ministry of Health & Social Development in collaboration with the Seychelles Agricultural Agency (SAA) is conducting the two-day exercise which is also involving farmers from around the country.

For two days those taking part will examine and discuss simulated emergency situations and various scenarios and try to resolve them based on the existing plan.

Seychelles already has a national action plan that was established soon after the avian influenza, better known as bird flu, broke out in various parts of the world in 2005.

This exercise forms part of an ongoing project to continuously strengthen the country’s response and preparedness plan for bird flu.

A team of three veterinarian epidemiologists consultants from Kenya led by Dr Sam Okuthe is leading the exercise. The other two members of the team are Dr Cathryn Wanjohi Malanga and Dr Peninah Munyua.

Launching the two-day exercise yesterday at the International Conference Centre, the chief executive of the SAA, Antoine Marie Moustache, said it is very important to continuously test our strength and weaknesses, identify any loopholes and always be up to date on how to stay prepared and in readiness to deal and handle a possible outbreak of the virus at any time.

He called on those taking part in the exercise to make the most of the opportunity to discuss and update the national preparedness plan to ensure Seychelles is ready in the event of an outbreak of the virus.