SASKATCHEWAN PREPARES FOR PANDEMIC

The province of Saskatchewan is purchasing approximately 500,000 doses of the antiviral oseltamivir as part of the national antiviral stockpile plan to deal with a potential influenza pandemic.

"Saskatchewan is committed to pandemic preparedness and to protecting the health of our residents," Health Minister John Nilson said. "We also welcome the federal government's investment in a national antiviral stockpile, and are pleased to participate in this initiative."

On Feb. 4th, 2005, federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh announced that Ottawa will contribute $24 million toward the purchase of 9.6 million doses of the antiviral oseltamivir. The federal government invited participation from the provinces and territories to bring the size of the stockpile up to 16 million doses. That is the target number recommended by the national expert advisory committee on pandemic influenza.

Saskatchewan's contribution to the cost of the stockpile is approximately $500,000, in order to secure 500,000 doses for the province.

"While it is impossible to know when the next influenza pandemic will occur, or how bad it will be, it is important to have an effective response plan for it," Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said. "This was an important missing piece for both the national plan and our provincial plan."

Production of vaccine will take months once a pandemic hits, so antivirals are a necessary tool in the early response. "The stockpile will allow us to treat the most seriously ill patients across the province and prevent illness in the highest priority types of essential service workers," Findlater added.

The purchase of antivirals is one component of Saskatchewan's pandemic preparedness plan. The Saskatchewan Pandemic Influenza Steering Committee has been meeting for a number of years and includes representatives from Saskatchewan Health and the regional health authorities. The committee is providing a framework to help the provincial government, regional health authorities, municipalities, First Nations, and other key partners prepare for an influenza pandemic. The main goal is to reduce illness and provide access to appropriate and timely prevention, care and treatment.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083