PM seeks more funds to combat avian influenza

NEW DELHI: Warning against lowering the guard while dealing with pandemics like avian influenza, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday sought more funds to combat the disease globally.

"We should guard against institutional fatigue while dealing with such pandemics, and never lower our guard. Eternal vigilance is indeed the price of good health, both of our people and our economies," he said addressing the International Ministerial Conference on Avian and Pandemic Influenza here.

Singh expressed satisfaction that the pledges for funds made at the Beijing and Bamako conferences on the pandemic were fulfilled, but said more funds were required for the purpose.
   
"Many pledges were made at the Beijing Conference in January 2006 as well as at Bamako to support avian influenza control and preparedness. Many of them have been fulfilled. However, we need more funding support," he said.
   
The Government of India supports the concept of "One Health" based on an integrated approach to animal and human health, he said adding Indian scientists were continuing their work on finding appropriate vaccines for birds and humans.

Indian companies are producing Oseltamivir, the recommended drug for treating avian influenza, he noted.

"In dealing with pandemics and public health challenges, we need a multi-pronged strategy that brings together experts and activists, researchers and administrators, government departments and civil society organisations," he added.