JAPAN EXTENDS SUPPORT FOR MONGOLIA IN FIGHT AGAINST H1N1

Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/ In the latest development in fight against pandemic influenza, Mongolia's Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Tuesday the arrival of 500 oximeter machines used to rapidly monitor blood oxygen levels in patients.
The 35,000 USD worth equipment is a part of the Japanese Government's total grant assistance of 18 billion Yen (18 million USD) to enhance Avian Influenza and Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in high risk Asian countries and areas. The new medical equipment to fight the pandemic were handed at a ceremony attended by Minister of Health, Mr Lambaa, Japanese Ambassador to Mongolia, Takuyo Kidokoro, World Health Organization to Mongolia, Officer in Charge, Dr Salik Govind, vice-minister of Health, Dr Tsolmon and health officials.
Mr Kidokoro said Government of Japan will soon hand over 270 thousand doses to cover 10% of population. On September 24, 2009, Government of Japan donated 10,8 million USD (1.1 billion Yen) to support the vaccine donation initiative with World Health Organization coordination. Pandemic vaccine donation is also a part of Japanese Government grant. "With this assistance, the Ministry of Health is better prepared to provide timely and effective health care for people affected with (H1N1) infection and avoid preventable deaths".
Mr Lambaa thanked the Japanese Government and people for the great assistance and said the equipment is essential to improve clinical management of severe cases of Pandemic Influenza. The Japanese Government has been helping Mongolia strengthen avian influenza prevention and pandemic response measures since 2007 in collaboration with WHO.
Blood oxygenation is a key indicator for the diagnosis and management of severe illness, including pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009.
“While the vast majority of people infected with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 will experience only mild flu-like symptoms and recover within a few days without the need for medical assistance, some people get very sick,” said Dr Salik Govind, Officer in Charge, WHO, Mongolia. “For these people, early detection and monitoring of blood oxygen levels is of upmost importance as it gives doctors the information they need to rapidly manage the illness and prevent complications. That is why the provision of these oximeters is so important. ”
As of 24 December, Mongolia had reported 1,226 cases and 28 deaths associated with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. After an initial sharp increase in cases numbers, the rate of new infections has returned to levels similar to other countries. November to March is the usual influenza season in the northern hemisphere.
Symptoms of influenza (including the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 strain) include fever; cough; sore muscles and joints; feeling hot and then cold; tiredness; and sometimes diarrhoea.
“An important way to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick with influenza is to wash your hands regularly, to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and to stay home if you feel unwell,” said Dr Salik Govind, Officer in Charge, WHO, Mongolia. “If you are sick with influenza and you are not recovering after a few days, you should seek medical attention immediately”.
Some groups of people are at higher risk of complications if they get catch Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. These groups are pregnant women, children under the age of 2 and people with chronic medical conditions such (as heart diseases or respiratory diseases). If they get sick with flu-like symptoms people in these 'high-risk' groups should seek medical assistance immediately.
The Government of Japan has supported the activities of WHO to prepare and respond to pandemic influenza and has donated the 500 Oximeters to Mongolia.
S.Batbayar