The world is on high alert as fear over the the Swine Flu epidemic that has been declared by WHO as a “public health event of international concern” grows. As developed countries take frantic measures to contain the emergence of the virus, African nations should not take a ‘business as usual’ stance.

Having borne the brunt of the Spanish Flu (1918) which emerged in Europe and the United States; the Asian Flu (1957): first identified in the Far East and the Hong Kong Flu (1968), the continent’s private and public sectors ought to embark on raising awareness on the nature of the Swine Flu as well as how to prevent and manage it.

Curbing the Swine Flu will call for coordinated round-the-clock efforts between health experts, the media, scientists and government leaders  world-wide.