Indian Volunteer working in Developing countries of Asia and Africa
SWINE FLU UPDATE: Letter from VSO CEO Marg Mayne
Dear Colleagues
You will no doubt have heard with concern about the international spread of "swine flu" from Mexico around the world in the last few days. At time of writing (1st May) there have been confirmed cases in Mexico, Canada, the US, Costa Rica, Peru, the UK, Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand and Israel. The likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but a pandemic is still not inevitable.
What does ‘Phase 5’ of a pandemic mean?
There are 6 phases in the development of a ‘pandemic’ or global epidemic. The World Health Organisation has raised the alert to Phase 5. 1 is the lowest risk. Phase 5 is defined as “Larger cluster(s) but human-to-human spreading still localized, suggesting that the virus is becoming increasingly better adapted to humans, but may not yet be fully transmissible.” Phase 6 is a pandemic.
Is this the same as avian flu?
No. Swine flu originated in pigs, and it has now mutated to a disease that has human-to-human transmission. At present, cases outside Mexico appear to be relatively mild and have responded positively to antiviral treatment.
Overseas Staff, Volunteers and Volunteering Programmes
VSO has already developed policies to cope with a pandemic and VSO’s Corporate Security Management Team is leading our response. At the present time, VSO is not expecting to close any programmes or change any planned volunteer placements as a reaction to this outbreak. However, the situation could change and we are monitoring it closely. VSO wants its staff and volunteers to have access to the best available information and we include an updated Medical briefing with this letter. The key message is that at present the risk of serious illness is very low, and your best defence against swine flu, if it spreads to your country, is to maintain a high level of personal hygiene.
If, on the basis of this information or other factors, any volunteer or staff member in VSO Programmes feels that this outbreak affects them in such a way that they would rather end their service and return home, VSO would of course respect their right to do so. VSO does not believe that the current situation demands this and I believe we can continue our vital work unaffected. If the situation changes significantly, we will send a further update.
Advice to all staff and volunteers, including those preparing to go overseas
• Read and follow the attached advice from VSO’s Medical Unit on Swine Flu.
• As noted above, the key message is that at present the risk of serious illness is very low, and your best defence against swine flu, if it spreads to your country, is to maintain a high level of personal hygiene, ie washing hands frequently.
• If you have recently returned from Mexico, or if you have been in contact with friends and family who have, then contact your line manager or VSO Programme Office before coming to work. They can seek support from Sally Halsey, VSO’s Health and Safety Officer.
• If you develop flu-like symptoms, seek medical advice as soon as possible and before coming to work.
UK based staff
A separate response team is being established to provide guidance and information to all UK based staff during this situation. The UK response team will be responsible for:
• Developing the pandemic flu contingency plans for UK teams/departments
• Ensuring that the measures detailed at each stage of the plan are implemented effectively and on time.
• Securing the necessary resources to ensure readiness
• Ensuring that staff are fully briefed and know how to access relevant documentation
For health protection advice, guidance, and medication, all UK based employees should contact NHS Direct. Tel: 0845 46 47 or visit
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/QA.aspx
Federation Members
Federation Members should review their existing plans on the lines the UK team is following. Support is available from VSO’s Security Management Advisor, David Clamp.
Further information
More information, including advice on personal hygiene, is available on the following websites:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/faq/en/index.html (WHO's frequently asked questions page)
www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
It is not known how the disease will develop - this will only come apparent in time. However I would like to reassure you that VSO is monitoring the situation closely, and I will send an update if the situation changes significantly.
Marg Mayne
Chief Executive
1st May 2009
You will no doubt have heard with concern about the international spread of "swine flu" from Mexico around the world in the last few days. At time of writing (1st May) there have been confirmed cases in Mexico, Canada, the US, Costa Rica, Peru, the UK, Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand and Israel. The likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but a pandemic is still not inevitable.
What does ‘Phase 5’ of a pandemic mean?
There are 6 phases in the development of a ‘pandemic’ or global epidemic. The World Health Organisation has raised the alert to Phase 5. 1 is the lowest risk. Phase 5 is defined as “Larger cluster(s) but human-to-human spreading still localized, suggesting that the virus is becoming increasingly better adapted to humans, but may not yet be fully transmissible.” Phase 6 is a pandemic.
Is this the same as avian flu?
No. Swine flu originated in pigs, and it has now mutated to a disease that has human-to-human transmission. At present, cases outside Mexico appear to be relatively mild and have responded positively to antiviral treatment.
Overseas Staff, Volunteers and Volunteering Programmes
VSO has already developed policies to cope with a pandemic and VSO’s Corporate Security Management Team is leading our response. At the present time, VSO is not expecting to close any programmes or change any planned volunteer placements as a reaction to this outbreak. However, the situation could change and we are monitoring it closely. VSO wants its staff and volunteers to have access to the best available information and we include an updated Medical briefing with this letter. The key message is that at present the risk of serious illness is very low, and your best defence against swine flu, if it spreads to your country, is to maintain a high level of personal hygiene.
If, on the basis of this information or other factors, any volunteer or staff member in VSO Programmes feels that this outbreak affects them in such a way that they would rather end their service and return home, VSO would of course respect their right to do so. VSO does not believe that the current situation demands this and I believe we can continue our vital work unaffected. If the situation changes significantly, we will send a further update.
Advice to all staff and volunteers, including those preparing to go overseas
• Read and follow the attached advice from VSO’s Medical Unit on Swine Flu.
• As noted above, the key message is that at present the risk of serious illness is very low, and your best defence against swine flu, if it spreads to your country, is to maintain a high level of personal hygiene, ie washing hands frequently.
• If you have recently returned from Mexico, or if you have been in contact with friends and family who have, then contact your line manager or VSO Programme Office before coming to work. They can seek support from Sally Halsey, VSO’s Health and Safety Officer.
• If you develop flu-like symptoms, seek medical advice as soon as possible and before coming to work.
UK based staff
A separate response team is being established to provide guidance and information to all UK based staff during this situation. The UK response team will be responsible for:
• Developing the pandemic flu contingency plans for UK teams/departments
• Ensuring that the measures detailed at each stage of the plan are implemented effectively and on time.
• Securing the necessary resources to ensure readiness
• Ensuring that staff are fully briefed and know how to access relevant documentation
For health protection advice, guidance, and medication, all UK based employees should contact NHS Direct. Tel: 0845 46 47 or visit
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/QA.aspx
Federation Members
Federation Members should review their existing plans on the lines the UK team is following. Support is available from VSO’s Security Management Advisor, David Clamp.
Further information
More information, including advice on personal hygiene, is available on the following websites:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/faq/en/index.html (WHO's frequently asked questions page)
www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
It is not known how the disease will develop - this will only come apparent in time. However I would like to reassure you that VSO is monitoring the situation closely, and I will send an update if the situation changes significantly.
Marg Mayne
Chief Executive
1st May 2009
Comment
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Comment by VASANT SAPTARSHI on May 4, 2009 at 1:36pm -
Dear Marg Mayne,
I am now VSO volunteer in the process of getting a placement from INDIA. I am so happy to receive the kind advice regarding the Swine flu.Many many thanks. It speaks of the care and prevention plans that VSO is interested in globally,Thanks once again...VASANT SAPTARSHI
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