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AVIAN INFLUENZA subtype H5N1
BRIEF FOR THE DPG
U. N. System in Tanzania
March 7th, 2006
AVIAN INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS IN TANZANIA: AN
UPDATE.
1. INTRODUCTION:
The United Republic of Tanzania has to date not reported a case of Avian Flu, either in
wild birds poultry or humans. The recent spread of H5N1 around the world, especially
the outbreak in Nigeria, is an indication that Tanzania has to prepare itself for possible
outbreak.
Since October 2005, the Government of Tanzania, with encouragement of some partners
has been taking measures to put together contingency plans. The UN especially through
WHO and FAO has been assisting. WHO guidelines have been used to put together the
Health Sector plan.
The most prominent collaborating agencies are; WHO, FAO, USAID; GTZ, University
of Minnesota, NIMR, and World Bird Atlas. USAID, GTZ and World Bank are currently
providing financial support for various Pre-Pandemic activities.
The following activities have been undertaken to date;
2.
PREPAREDNESS PLANS
(a) Pre-pandenic Plan: The Technical Advisory Committee has completed a Prepandemic Plan which has now been submitted to the PMO. Activities to be
undertaken include in this phase include:
 Surveillance
 Strengthening of Laboratories
 Training of laboratory technicians and
 Public awareness.
The total cost of the Pre-pandemic plan is estimated at US$2.0Million
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(b) Preparedness Plan(s)
General Objectives of the Plans:
 Stop introduction of avian influenza H5N1virus in the country (Pre-pandemic
phase)
 Detect the avian influenza H5N1 virus, control the disease at point source in order
to delay or contain spread of infection (Emerging Pandemic phase)
 Minimize human suffering and death (Pandemic phase)
The following long term plans are currently under preparation;
1.
A Health Sector Preparedness Plan for Avian Influenza.
2.
The National (Multisectoral) Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for
Avian Influenza which also includes the National Level activities is currently under
preparation and is expected to be completed by week of March 6th. The plan will cover
three sectors; livestock; health and; wildlife. Activities covered in this plan will include


Pre –pandemic phase activities
Pandemic phase activities (which will including culling of chickens and farmer
compensation)
 Post-pandemic phase/recovery phase
Preliminary estimates for this plan are around US$27 Million. The draft plan will be
presented to the National Multi-Sectoral Task Force shortly.
3. PROGRESS TO DATE;
1. The Health Sector response:




The Health Sector Technical Committee has been set up.
Roles and responsibilities have been drawn up and a meeting schedule also put
in place.
Regular meetings are being conducted
A draft plan has been produced and what remains to be done is the budget.
2. The Multisectoral response:
 A draft Multisectoral National Preparedness plan is under preparation.
 The National Joint Technical Expert Group for Avian Influenza has been set up.
 Specimens from wild and domestic birds are being collected and sent to USA for
laboratory examination but so far no positive samples have been identified. This
activity is being supported through USAID, GOT and GTZ. Government
provided TShillings 50 Million.
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3. Relevant Activities undertaken to date.
 Surveillance activities continue. The most recent reports indicate no positive
samples so far.
 The public was initially alerted on the current situation of Avian Influenza
through press releases and official statements but more recently, only mass media
have been carrying out stories.
 Health Workers e.g. District Medical Officers have been sensitized in various
forums.
 The MOH has alerted all Districts to be watchful.
 A ban on importation of poultry and poultry products from affected countries has
been recommended and export of live birds and bird products is not recommended
at this moment.
 WHO has arranged the services of the National Institute of Communicable
Diseases in South Africa for examination of Human specimen if cases occur.
4. Constraints
 The Health Sector Technical Committee is supposed to meet weekly but does not
yet do so satisfactorily.
 Both Task Forces have not been meeting regularly because of Christmas, New
Year breaks as well as the General Elections. It is hoped that the Government
response will now gain momentum.
4. TASK FORCES
The following Task Forces have been formed to spearhead the response.
1. National (Multisectoral) Task Force for Emergency Preparedness and Response
for Avian Influenza, which has to date undertaken the following:
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Formation of National Joint Expert Group
Organization of regular meetings for the National Technical Expert Group
Organization of regular meetings for the National Task Force itself.
2. The Health Sector Task force on Avian Influenza.
MEMBERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MULTISECTORAL
AND NATIONAL TASK FORCE
The Multisectoral National Task Force for Emergency Preparedness and Response for
has drawn members from the following sectors:
i)
Ministry of Water and Livestock Development, Chair
ii)
Ministry of Health,
Co-Chair
iii)
Ministry of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Tourism, member
iv)
Department of Disaster Management in the Prime Minister’s Office, member
v)
Ministries of Local Government, member
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vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
xi)
xii)
xiii)
Ministry of Finance, member
Ministry of Home Affairs, member
Ministry of Education and Culture, member
Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children Affairs, member
Ministry of Foreign affairs. member
Development Partners
NGOs
Private sector
The responsibilities of the Task Force are to:
a)
b)
c)
Formulate policies and guidelines on the Avian Influenza prevention and
control management
Coordinate prevention and control activities conducted by various NGOs sectors
and other stakeholders
Mobilize resources necessary for prevention and control of Avian Influenza.
Under the National Task Force is the National Joint Technical Expert Group for Avian
Influenza which has membership from all relevant sectors.
The Terms of Reference for the Technical Expert Group:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Assess and Review the Epidemiological Status of the Disease
Coordinate Epidemic-Surveillance and Biosecurity Operations
Undertake Risk Analysis
Prepare Contingency Plan
Prepare Emergency Preparedness Plan
Form the national Technical Command Post in the event of the disease
Advise the national Avian Influenza Joint Task Group