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