SA sets up bird flu plan

RAY SMUTS
AS THE deadly bird flu marches steadily across Western Europe from Asia and the Far East, now spreading to Africa, Nigeria in particular, South Africa has realised the need to be prepared. Last week the health department announced the National Human Influenza Preparedness Plan (HIPP) and the Western Cape is now organising a provincial flu pandemic programme as part of the national plan. Western Cape health MEC Pierre Uys says the province’s comprehensive plan to deal with avian flu is in line with the national plan, based on recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO).