Monday, April 27, 2009

Ministerial Meeting on Measures against Swine Influenza

On April 25 (local time), the World Health Organization (WHO) made an assessment on the current situation concerning swine influenza abroad, stating that it "constitutes a public health emergency of international concern." In response, Prime Minister Taro Aso held the Ministerial Meeting on Measures against Swine Influenza at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, the government, as its immediate responses, decided to provide the people with information in a swift and appropriate manner in close collaboration with other countries; to provide assistance to Japanese nationals abroad; and to implement frontline measures so as to prevent as much as possible the entry into Japan of swine influenza viruses.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Aso gave instructions to all the Cabinet members, saying that, "The government, with each minister and ministry and agency working as one, must make the utmost efforts to ensure the people's safety and peace of mind. Much remains to be clarified in regard to the recent cases of swine influenza. In close collaboration with other countries, I want you all to make the best possible efforts in collecting information and providing it to people. I ask each minister to make their utmost efforts while ensuring close communication, with the understanding that measures against swine influenza constitute an important issue for national crisis management."

Related Link

• Pandemic Influenza and Avian Influenza (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
• Influenza A(H1N1) (World Health Organization [WHO])