2009
:: WHO Clarifies Measures to be taken by schools to mitigate the effect of H1N1 pandemic
Baghdad - 26 October 2009 - WHO stated the measures to be taken to reduce H1N1 the prevalence of pandemic in Iraqi schools, and recommended schools closure if case incidence reaches 1% among students.
The Iraqi Health Minister Dr Saleh Hasnawy, said that "decisions on the possibility and timely closure of classrooms and schools during epidemics prevalence depend on local conditions, pandemic speed and the nature of its prevalence". He added that "The High Committee concerned with H1N1 pandemic, in collaboration with the Technical Committee and WHO believe in the role of precautionary measures to limit the virus prevalence in schools and society in general. It is recommended for the time being that: students and teachers should stay at home whenever they feel ill, patients? are isolated, staying away from crowded places and following official bodies instructions and guidance".
Dr Hasnawy also said that schools proactive closure, make it possible to decrease the pandemic prevalence speed, and therefore decrease the burden on health care systems in the peak stage. However, schools closure policies should include measures aiming at limiting the proportion of students? contacts outside schools, as virus transmission will continue in case they meet in other places, which greatly hinder the benefits gained from schools closure, and may render it futile.