Editor,

The Swine flu, pandemic, has been in the spotlight since it began in Mexico early 2009.The media particularly The New Times has been keen to supply us with constant information about the reported cases and the response from the Government and medical experts.

We are aware that amongst the 56 reported cases 29 patients have now recovered thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Health.

The overall response to stop spread of this mild illness is commendable and it showcases the effectiveness of the overall health system in the country.

The preparedness of the country has been tested by this disease and the results are more than successful, Unlike many other countries in the region, Rwanda has been able to contain this disease, the response has been aggressive: alert levels have been raised successfully through media channels and posters, infected patients have been treated and where need be, isolated and antiviral medication is now available for everyone.

All this has happened with careful communication that has enabled us to be calm even in the wake of the disease attack. The massive information available has encouraged us to go for testing and hence get treatment.

It’s a great comfort for Rwandans to know that there is a taskforce working day and night to contain this disease and avail the vaccines we need against this diseases and other that may arise.

Alice Wangui
awangui@gmail.com