Drive set to teach pilgrims how to avoid swine flu

Dubai: The Ministry of Health is set to launch an awareness campaign to educate people planning to perform Haj and Umrah this year about the necessary precautionary measures against swine flu.

The ministry has started preparing for the campaign in cooperation with relevant entities, said Dr Ali Ahmad Bin Shakar, Director General of the Ministry of Health and Chairman of the Technical Health Committee on Combating Swine Flu.

"It will coordinate with the General Authority for Islamic Affairs to engage preachers and imams in educating pilgrims during prayers about the proper ways of prevention against the H1N1 virus," Bin Shakar said.

He urged the public not to entertain rumours that there are certain anit-H1N1 drugs and vaccines available in the market.

Bin Shakar said a new drug is being developed by specialised companies in coordination with the World Health Organisation and the first batches of the drug would be delivered by mid-September.

He assured the public that extensive coordination and consultations are still going on with all local, regional and international bodies within the framework of global efforts to combat the virus.