KOMNAS FBPI CONTINUES BIRD FLU CONTROL PROGRAM
Jakarta, August 13, 2008 - The Indonesia National Committee for Avian Influenza Control and Pandemic Preparedness (KOMNAS FBPI) continues its fight against bird flu by focusing on communication and community participation, which have been effective in controlling bird flu spread.
"We are still consistent with our main strategy--the communication and community involvement, and build partnership with all community groups to fight the virus," says Bayu Krisnamurthi, Chief Executive of the Indonesia National Committee for Avian Influenza Control and Pandemic Preparedness (KOMNAS FBPI).
The National Committee has supported several activities organized by UNICEF in partnership with local administrations. In July, a community mobilization activity involved 10,000 children in Cirebon, West Java. The "Tanggap Flu Burung" campaign promotion was held by the "Bike – to – work" group and ecologist organization Octopus in Batam on August 10 2008. On August 14 2008, thousands of boys and girls scout will declare their support to "Tanggap Flu Burung" (Aware of Bird Flu) campaign in Sukabumi, West Java.
Up to today, the number of bird flu cases are 136 confirmed with 111 deaths (2 from 136 confirmed case releases on media have not yet confirmed by Ministry of Health).
From January to July 2008, there are 19 confirmed cases with 16 deaths. This number decreases compare to the same period last year with recorded confirmed cases 27 with 23 deaths. The Case Fatality Rate in 2007 stands at 88.1% and 2008 is 84.2%.
People are urged to learn more about bird flu and to reduce their risk of contracting the virus by adopting clean and healthy behaviors:
- Don't touch sick or dead chickens. If you have had contact with sick or dead chickens, promptly wash your hands with soap and report the incident to your village head.
- Wash your hands and cooking appliances with soap before cooking. Cook chicken and eggs well.
- Separate poultry from humans. And also separate new poultry from existing poultry flocks for 2 weeks.
- Go to a Public Health Center or Hospital immediately if you have flu and fever symptoms after having contact with poultry/chicken. Do not wait more than two days, especially if there are many poultry around your house or you had contact with poultry.
- Wear gloves and cover your nose and mouth when handling poultry
- Do not eat poultry that are sick or have died.
- Cull, burn and bury sick or dead poultry.
- Do not let children play with poultry.
TANGGAP FLU BURUNG! OUR HANDS PREVENT BIRD FLU!
For Further Information please visit our website at www.komnasfbpi.go.id or e-mail us at: komunikasi.fbpi@gmail.com
