Media sensitization programme on H1N1 in press club

Influenza A ( H1N1) has become a matter of concern in our country, where over 15 people had already died. The WHO has cautioned that the number of cases will be rising in the coming days. Now it is already a near panic situation in the country. Though Assam has not reported any confirmed cases till date, Meghalaya, West Bengal and also Bhutan reported confirmed H1N1 cases. As it can be expected that thousands of people from Assam would move to other parts of the country (or vice versa), the vulnerability of the State remains high. The media, print as well as the visual and web, has to play a very important role in a dressing this issue. There is a need to provide scientific , un-biased and updated information in the news, features, other programmes for the benefit of the public.

Understanding the gravity of the situation (H1N1 infection), a media sensitization programme has been planned by NESPYM. The programme, to be organized in association with Guwahati Press Club, will include a number of reporter-journalists as its participants. It will take place on August 14 (Friday) at 11:30 am in the press club auditorium. Dr Chiranjeeb Kakoty, an expert on health and hospital management will speak on the basic epidemiology of Influenza A and Dr Bhabesh Chandra Bhagabati, the State surveillance officer (Integrated Disease Surveillance Project, Assam) will deliberate on surveillance and preparedness in the State vis-à-vis Influenza A ( H1N1), informed Dr Alaka Bhattacharyya of NESPYM.

Interested media persons are requested to contact the press club office for any queries.