Outbreak of H1N1 in Ukraine expected in autumn

President Victor Yushchenko met with Minister for Health Vasyl Knyazevych, according to the President`s press-office.

At the meeting sides discussed the situation with spreading of influenza A (H1N1) in the world and in Ukraine, funding of key healthcare programs, problems of vaccination programs, etc.

Minister Knyazevych reported to President Yushchenko, that for today a series of anti-pandemic measures have already been elaborated, because, according to the experts, the outbreak of H1N1 in Ukraine will be most probable in autumn. He also said that all steps were taken to prevent disease being brought to the territory of our state - strict control at airports and at border crossings and so on. According to V. Knyazevych, for now the man who was diagnosed with H1N1 being the only case in Ukraine, has fully cured. The Minister also informed the President that the WHO has already sent to Ukraine the drug, which is considered the only effective against influenza A (H1N1). Vasyl Knyazevych assured Victor Yushchenko that the drug will be distributed to regions of Ukraine and that the doctors were instructed on its use.

Referring to the report of the Accounting Chamber, the President criticized the Ministry for not spending adequate funds on treatment of diabetes, transplantation, and overcoming the epidemic of TB and HIV / AIDS this year.

Separately, the President touched upon the problem of upgrading medical equipment and tools. He stressed that he would demand law enforcement bodies to investigate cases when newly purchased equipment was leased to third parties or used for commercial purposes.

President Yushchenko also pointed to problems in vaccination campaign, saying that medical facilities should put their efforts in regaining citizens’ confidence in that field after the case of tragic death of a young man who earlier was vaccinated against measles with the Indian vaccine.