KATHMANDU: Avian Influenza Control Project (AICP) is establishing three BSL-2 laboratories in the country for the first time to combat the Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) this year.

The facility, the containment devices, the administrative controls, and the practices and procedures at the BSL-2 labs are designed to maximise safe working conditions for technicians.

Dr Shyam Sundar Mishra, coordinator, AICP, said the laboratories will be established at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan, Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Kathmandu and in a Dhangadhi or Nepalgunj-based hospital.

"The facilities will be provided with every type of modern equipment to detect all kinds of viruses," added Mishra.

He told The Himalayan Times that the project will commence as soon as the World Bank provides funds. With the World Bank’s pledge, the project is set to be revised, Dr Mishra added. A manhunt is also in progress to run the new facilities. Selected candidates will be trained for the jobs. A six-bed quarantine unit will also be established in each of the three hospitals.

According to AICP, a total of 171 cases of Pandemic Influenza have been recorded, 119 of which are males. Of the 537 samples collected, one tested positive for the pandemic.

The World Health Organisation is sending around 550,000 vaccines against swine flu by the end of January to the country. These doses are claimed to be distributed on priority basis for which a protocol is being prepared as specified by the WHO.

AICP is collecting samples randomly from areas without reports of community transmission but falling in potential risk zones.

AICP is also conducting awareness programmes nationwide and is looking into the cases of Bhaktapur and Chitwan, where two persons died.