BOTSWANA: GOB INTERVENTIONS ON H1N1

UNCLAS GABORONE 000632 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/S, OES STATE PLEASE PASS TO USAID E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU EAID SOCI TBIO PGOV BC SUBJECT: BOTSWANA: GOB INTERVENTIONS ON H1N1 REF: A)STATE 73971, B)GABORONE 604 ¶1. Summary: As of July 31, 2009, there were only 13 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza in Botswana. However, government actions to inform the public and screen for the disease began in late April. The Botswana Ministry of Health has issued a series of notices in local media to alert the public about the outbreak and what precautions they must take to prevent its spread. In addition, the GOB uses a questionnaire to screen incoming travelers and has set up four quarantine sites to isolate and monitor suspected cases. End Summary. ¶2. Public Notices: In response to the global outbreak of A-H1N1, on April 26, the Government of Botswana (GOB,) through the Ministry of Health (MOH),began a series of public notices on H1N1. These notices are ongoing and are featured regularly in the local media (papers, radio and national television) and are often posted in government buildings and other public places (including airports). The GOB notices inform the public about the precautions that they need to take against flu, and also inform them about the signs and symptoms of the H1N1 virus. Furthermore, the GOB adverts tell the public that if anyone in their household had recently travelled to any of the affected countries, he/she should report to the nearest health official or facility. The MOH has further advised the public to avoid shaking hands and to avoid any large gatherings if possible. MOH has also appealed to the public to avoid and miniize contact with people who have the common flu nd to keep children home from school if they hav thecommon cold. Ministry of Health officials, ncluding the Acting Permanent Secretary, have appered on national television severaltimes to issue similar appeals and advice. ¶3. Health System Responses: The MOH has communicated with all of its districts (local governments, where most primary health care is provided) and has provided them with written guidelines on how to respond to H1N1 pandemic outbreak. In addition, the districts have been given a flow chart on how to transport samples and receive results, as well as written information detailing the GOB's "Influenza Suspect Identification and Quarantine Procedures." In addition, four quarantine stations have been set up in Gaborone, Maun, Kasane and Francistown (Botswana's four most important towns), which are used to isolate and observe suspected cases. ¶4. Screening of Travelers: Botswana does not have thermal imaging devices for screening of travelers. However, in an attempt to screen arriving passengers for potential H1N1 flu, a check list has been developed and distributed to the Gaborone's Sir Seretse Khama International Airport and other ports of entry into Botswana. All incoming travelers must complete the form and present it to immigration officials before being admitted to the country. ¶5. Social Interventions: Botswana has not yet taken any of the measures outlined in reftel to restrict public access to large gatherings. Schools, theaters, and dance halls all remain open. There are no bans on public gatherings in place or any other restrictive measures that would change the ordinary conduct of business or social events. However, the MOH is encouraging citizens to voluntarily avoid large gatherings (as noted in para 2). ¶6. Request for Commodities: In an effort to strengthen Botswana's pandemic preparedness, the GOB made a request through the US Embassy to USAID's Deliver Project for the following commodities: PPE'S, disinfectant, rapid test kits, transporting and packaging materials. Post submitted the request to USAID Washington on May 12. We look forward to receiving the requested commodities soon. NOLAN