No. 24

$416,000 FUNDING FOR PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS

The 2006–07 Budget will provide recurrent funding of $416,000 over four years for ACT Health to strengthen the Territory’s Avian Influenza preparedness.

“This funding will be used to maintain our stockpile of antivirals, personal protective equipment and laboratory materials, and to continue preparation for a possible future pandemic,” Health Minister Katy Gallagher said.

“It is in line with the Government’s election commitment to provide $2 million for health promotion and disease prevention.

“There continues to be isolated cases of Avian influenza in humans worldwide.  This, in turn, continues to drive worldwide concern and has increased activities around planning a global preparedness.  

“With the increase in the number of human cases of Avian Influenza and the threat of an influenza pandemic, ACT Health recognises the need for forward planning.

“This includes the maintenance of essential supplies to contain infection, prevent further transmission and continue essential service functions throughout an outbreak. 

“Anti-viral medication (Tamiflu) has a shelf-life of four years and we have developed a purchase plan that provides for annual replacement of 25 per cent of the current antiviral stockpile.

“Budget funding will also enable us to rotate and replace personal protective equipment and the laboratory materials necessary for the definitive diagnosis of Avian Influenza. 

“This funding supports important parts of the prevention effort, to reduce the possible impacts of a pandemic.”