UNICEF to launch awareness campaign on swine flu in schools

KATHMANDU: With a view to inform the schoolchildren of the menace of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Nepal has embarked on an awareness campaign in different schools under the Avian Influenza Project (AIP).

The move follows recent swine flu-scare throughout the nation.

After the initial phase of campaign in Kathmandu Valley schools, UNICEF is launching the awareness campaign in schools of the five districts in Jhapa, Illam, Sunsari, Morang and Chitwan.

Binoy Dil Lama, the project officer, said that the first round of briefing and orientation on the swine flu was concluded recently in 65 schools, including the +2 colleges, of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.

“The AIP works with 'Green Plus,” a student organisation, he said, adding, “a meeting would be held next week with the Private and Boarding Schools' Organisation of Nepal (PABSON) and the Department of Education.

An orientation programme has also been planned for the District Education Officer (DEO) about the issue.

Lama of UNICEF has urged the schools not to close them down on seasonal flu but suggested the government to take sample test and make it conformed before closing the schools.

He said that they had introduced a package programme for addressing the present situation where they had given two hours of training to teachers and students with the objective of bringing awareness.

“Local NGOs are helping us in this project,” added programme officer. The jingle and advertising song related to the disease is going to be on air from December 15.