Editorial,

The Swine Flu virus - the H1 N1 influenza - is spreading fast and wide around the world. Even though the cause of the virus is yet to be known and the World Health Organization is struggling to establish the origin of the virus, the number of people infected with the virus is rising and more deaths are being reported.

The Department of State for Health and Social Welfare has announced that they are taking precautionary measures to ensure that the disease is prevented from taking root in the country.

More importantly, the cancellation of the much awaited Kanilai International Festival by the president of the Republic, as a result of the unclear situation surrounding the outbreak of the virus, is yet another clear manifestation of his concern for the health of the people of this country. It is only leaders with foresight who operate in such a responsible manner.

The president has always maintained that improvement of the health sector is his utmost priority, and this he has demonstrated both in words and in action. The increase in the number of hospitals in the recent past with improved medical facilities and increase in the number of trained nurses and doctors elucidates this reality. Another point is that President Jammeh has ensured that women receive not only quality but also free maternal health care.

The postponement of the Kanilai International Festival is therefore in the best interest of ensuring good health practices. Letting the people stay at home the swine flu situation becomes clear will undoubtedly aid the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare in its attempt to ensure that the outbreak of the disease is prevented in the country.

Our national development blue print, the Vision 2020, succinctly noted that the objectives for the health sector are to improve the administration and management of health services, provide better infrastructure for referral hospitals and other health facilities and the extension of primary health care services to all. The actions of the president continuously denote that we are on the road to achieve these objectives.