WHO/PAHO Press Conference on Zika Feb 24

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Zika data collected by Brazil help other countries address the virus, says Margaret Chan

January 24, 2016 - The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) returned to praise the research and actions undertaken by Brazil in relation to zika virus and its possible consequences, during a press conference held on Wednesday (24), the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), in Rio de Janeiro. The Director-General of WHO, Margaret Chan, said that the data collected by Brazil and transparency of the country to share them help other countries address the virus. "This allows us to pass on this information to all Member States". The director of PAHO, Carissa F. Etienne, chimed in, adding that Brazil is an important laboratory to search for answers about what zika can cause. "The country has faced this epidemic and reported information that is used by everyone." Asked about the reason for the microcephaly outbreak in Brazil, Chan said the disease has many causes, but the evidence voided in Brazil point to virus infection. "The zika is guilty until proven innocent. Do not be surprised if we start to see cases of microcephaly in most countries. " According to her, Colombia is one of the sites being more closely monitored at this time. "They have a very good surveillance system. It is a country that will provide us with great information. " For the executive director of outbreaks and emergencies in health, Bruce Aylward, the situation currently experienced with zika has been more difficult than confronting Ebola, because of the dire consequences and uncertainties related to the virus. "We have learned along the way." He praised the speed, courage and scope of actions taken by the Brazilian government. "The world has a tremendous debt with Brazil. The country has the best information about what viruses can cause. And that because of the impressive work he has done. " During the visit to Fiocruz, the WHO's director general met projects for the development of new technologies to combat the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, diagnosis, prevention and treatment for diseasestransmitted by the vector. Earlier, Chan, Etienne and the Representative of PAHO / WHO in Brazil, Joaquín Molina, were with the Minister of Health, Marcelo Castro, in Integrative Medicine Institute Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Pernambuco.At the time, the directors of PAHO and WHO met the clinic and rehabilitation center IMIP, among other spaces. During the visit, they talked to health professionals and mothers of children with microcephaly. Olympics Asked about the Olympics 2016, Chan said that as the Aedes vector is seasonal, the month of August - drought and low temperatures - is characterized by a smaller population of the mosquito that transmits zika, dengue and chikungunya. In the heat, the vector develops faster and rain increases the amount of mosquito breeding sites. "Brazilian scientists point out that in August and September mosquito density is lower. If you add that the appropriate vector control measures, the Olympics will be pleasant for visitors and athletes. "

Last Updated on Thursday, 25 February 2016 03:21 http://www.paho.org/bra/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5008:dados-sobre-zika-coletados-pelo-brasil-ajudam-outros-paises-a-enfrentarem-o-virus-diz-margaret-chan&Itemid=816

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Directors of WHO and PAHO met with Brazilian President to discuss the response to zika

 

Washington, DC, February 23, 2016 (PAHO / WHO) - The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Margaret Chan, and the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Carissa F. Etienne , met yesterday with the president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff and Brazilian authorities to learn about the actions taken by Brazil in response to infection by the virus Zika.

 

 

In a media briefing, Chan said she had never seen such a large community mobilization involving all sectors of society as was taking place in Brazil. She also indicated that the Brazilian government has been transparent in sharing information with WHO, allowing work on this issue together with the rest of the world. Chan also praised "the speed, reliability and courage" that the country is taking to address this challenge.

She stressed the importance of control of "the formidable enemy" Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that transmits zika, dengue and chikungunya. "Two thirds of mosquitoes grow at home. So every family, every community member has a role to contribute to this fight against Zika infection in this country. The government will do its utmost but we need you to work together with the government in the fight."

Brazil, with support from PAHO / WHO, is working constantly to make sure the country is safe in terms of health for athletes and visitors during the Olympics in August this year, Chan said.

"The Zika virus is very tricky, tenacious and difficult, so is the Aedes aegypti mosquito. We should expect to see more cases. This will be a long journey but government commitment is commendable and we are here to support them so we can embark on this journey together. Based on what I have seen today and what I've heard, the mosquito is difficult but it cannot beat Brazil," Chan said.
Chan and Etienne visited the National Center for Risk and Disaster Management (Cenad) for discussions with top cabinet members, including the ministers of health, national integration, defense, foreign affairs, social development and fight against hunger alleviation, as well as the secretary of government and the executive secretary of the Ministry of Education.

As part of their assessment of actions taken by Brazil in response to Zika virus infection and its possible consequences, Chan and Etienne went to Recife, Pernambuco, to visit the Institute of Integrative Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), a clinical research center that is the National Referral Center for Mother and Child Care Programs. WHO Executive Director for Outbreaks and Health Emergencies Bruce Aylward accompanied them.

Chan, Etienne and Castro scheduled a press conference on Wednesday Feb. 24, at 16:00 (Rio de Janeiro time) in Castelo de Mourisco, Room 117H, Av Brasil, 4365 -. Manguinhos - Rio de Janeiro (RJ).

http://www.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11691%3Adirectors-paho-and-who-in-brazil-to-assess-zika-virus-response&catid=1443%3Aweb-bulletins&Itemid=135&lang=fr

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Audio

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