Wednesday 15 June 2016

WHO MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS TOWARDS BRAZIL HOSTING OLYMPIC GAMES

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Emergency Committee on Zika virus has concluded that there is a very low risk of further international spread of Zika virus as a result of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to be hosted by Brazil in August this year.
The Emergency Committee said this is because Brazil will be hosting the Games during the Brazilian winter when the intensity of autochthonous transmission of arboviruses, such as dengue and Zika viruses, will be minimal.
The Committee also said that Brazil is intensifying vector-control measures in and around the venues for the Games which should further reduce the risk of transmission.
This is according to a statement on the third meeting of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee on Zika virus presented to the WHO Director General yesterday posted on WHO web page and monitored by The Globe Newspaper.
The Committee reaffirmed that there should be no general restrictions on travel and trade with countries, areas and or territories with Zika virus transmission, including the cities in Brazil that will be hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Committee further provided additional advice that countries, communities and organization’s that are convening mass gatherings in areas affected by Zika virus outbreaks should undertake a risk assessment prior to the event and increase measures to reduce the risk of exposure to Zika virus.
Meanwhile, efforts to get a comment from the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) on the development failed.

The 2016 Summer Olympics will be held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil from August 5 to 21, 2016.