Monkey Disease: The Ministry of Health has summoned the health departments of Mercosur countries

Minister of Health of the Nation, Carla Vicotti, He attended an extraordinary meeting with his colleagues in Mercosur and related states, as well as representatives of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Aim to analyze the situation of monkey flu in the region and evaluate efforts to improve access to drugs, vaccines and other health technologies related to this disease.

Attended the meeting Minister of Health of Paraguay, Julio Caesar Borba, in the process of Pro Tempo Presidency; And his counterpart Daniel Salinas from Uruguay; From Chile, María Begoña Yarza; From Peru, Hernado Sevalos; With Arnoldo Mediros, Secretary of Health for Brazil; And Dr. Nila Heredia on behalf of the Bolivian Ministry of Health.

“With epidemiology we have learned that collective, collective and regional responses are more powerful than individual responses. For this reason, it seemed appropriate to find this place to diagnose the situation in our region related to monkey flu, ”Vizotti pointed out.

Expressing concern over the recent rise in the impact of monkey flu in many parts of the world, the Minister pointed out the importance of conducting research on the extent of circulation. Possible acquisition of drugs, antivirals and vaccines.

Similarly, the officer highlighted Argentina’s technical and scientific capabilities in the field of healthcare, and in this sense provided the participation and cooperation of National Laboratories and Health Institutions (ANLIS) reference laboratory officials and technologists to present the progress of the investigation of cases found in Argentina by Dr. Carlos Malfran.

For his part, Pier Paulo Baladelli, Deputy Regional Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for South America, congratulated the attending ministers. “Timely decision to hold this meeting”It provides an opportunity to create conditions for a quick response to this disease through “unity and collective form”.

In this sense, the official reiterated the support of the international community to the various member states regarding monitoring activities, preparation for and response to monkey flu in affected countries. “The World Health Organization, supported by a comprehensive team of global experts in these types of diseases, has developed a comprehensive guide to clinical management, prevention and control of infection for monkey flu with an integrated and comprehensive look.”He added.

Later, PAHO technical representatives said there were currently two vaccines, but only one commonly known as the modified Ankara Nordic Bavarian strain of vaccine or MVA-BN is being evaluated for use against monkey flu. There is a high cost.

In that framework, The Immunization Division of the Agency held an extraordinary meeting of the Immunization Technical Advisory Committee, which will evaluate the various sources and announce the evaluation and technical recommendation in the coming days.

They also clarified from the International Organization that the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet recommended the use of monkey flu vaccines to the general public. However, PAHO’s revolving fund engages in dialogue with vaccine makers on behalf of the 42 participating countries and their regions.

In turn, they reiterated that the smallpox vaccine has already been shown to protect against monkey flu, although further research is needed on the immunosuppression of those who received the drug decades ago. WhenIn randomized control studies against this disease in relation to antiviral therapies, none of the available options indicate efficacy and clinical safety.

Finally, the ministers agreed that in the absence of a WHO recommendation, there is still no scientific evidence of progress in obtaining vaccines and antiviral drugs with potential therapeutic effects. In this sense, they defined the need for thorough monitoring and follow-up of cases, expediting the detection of potential cases and developing quick and timely responses to deal with the disease.

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