Centre to Handle Outbreaks Planned

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is working towards having a centre of excellence for treating infectious diseases.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad said Malaysia was taking the initiative following the growing concern regarding potential public health emergencies and the imminent threat of an influenza pandemic which could have the most devastating consequences.

“Special funding amounting to RM47 million is provided by the government to the ministry annually in preparing for the worst case scenario,” he said at the opening of the 13th International Congress on Infectious Diseases at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.

He said the ministry had developed a National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan which served as a guide for preparedness and response to pandemic influenza.

“The ministry has carried out various preparatory activities spelt out in the plan so as to be ready in case of an outbreak,” he added.

He said the ministry was committed to not only being prepared for outbreaks and pandemics but also to improving the care of patients with infectious diseases by enhancing the skills and knowledge of clinicians and clinical researchers.

Dr Latiff said today’s borderless world or highly mobile, interdependent and interconnected world provided a myriad of opportunities for the rapid spread of infectious diseases.

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