Let’s meet this threat together Wednesday, 12 August 2009 00:00

Ever since the World Health Organisation declared the A(H1N1) flu a pandemic, we  were made fully aware of the threat this disease posed to all of us. Even then, there was a sense of lethargy gripping us, a feeling that the epidemic would somehow pass each one of us by.

But the relentless headlines swine flu is making all over the world, including in Qatar, should jolt us out of our stupor. It’s time to wake up to the full seriousness of this disease before things spin out of control. And everyone – at the governmental, organisational, social and individual level – has a role to play in preventing the spread of this disease and in creating awareness among the public.  Creating awareness is very important because that alone can prevent swine flu’s spread. Time is running out as the number of cases is jumping dramatically and people are coming back from their vacation. Let’s not rest in peace expecting the Ministry of Health to do everything.  The threat is so huge that other ministries and individual members of society must do their bit.

First of all, we have to educate our children and family about prevention.  Through this column, we urge the Ministry of Education to prepare itself for the threat and make our schools a safe place for our children by taking all the precautions from day one. We ask the Ministry of Interior to create awareness and equip the people working at the customs posts, ports and airports to educate travellers. They can advise the people on holiday by sending messages and tips through METRASH on the precautions they need to take.

We also ask the Ministry of Health to increase the number of designated health centres and the number of doctors in them to combat A(H1N1) to ensure that those who are affected get timely help, and even open a clinic at the airport for those coming back from holiday.  This disease has become global and it’s the responsibility of everybody to work together to combat its spread. And a word of caution: Don’t panic.