The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-08-04

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] āFrontā against H1N1 Virus

Protection measures to deal with the new flu are being strengthened within the context of the national plan. Justice Minister Nikos Dendias announced measures to deal with possible H1N1 cases in prisons following a meeting with directors in the 33 prisons nationwide. A meeting was also held at IKA. Two possible cases were reported in a cruise ship that arrived in Piraeus port on Monday. In the meantime, a 30yo considered the fourth H1N1 serious cases is at Heraklio hospital intensive care ward connected to breathing support machine. His condition is crucial but stable.

The National Council to deal with the H1N1 flu held a meeting today. They decided that drug stores will begin distributing anti virus drugs in the next days but under strict preconditions, that is a special prescription while the Drug Administration would be in charge of the supervision of prescriptions. The Health Minister D. Abramopoulos agreed with the decisions of the National Council. Prescription of pneumococcal vaccine for adults would be also included in the same procedure of special prescription. Cooperation of Doctors and Pharmacists Associations would be asked for the implementation of the relevant decisions. Other decisions taken are:

Encouragement of rapid tests for H1N1 according to doctors' judgment

Correct implementation of diagnosis instructions and use of drugs is determined by treating doctors on the grounds of WHO instructions.

Justice Minister Nikos Dendias announced measures to deal with possible H1N1 cases in prisons following a meeting with directors in the 33 prisons nationwide. Mr. Dendias described the pandemic as an unprecedented challenge for the disciplinary system and expressed optimism that all measures would be taken to deal in the event prisoners are infected.

A meeting was also held at IKA on Tuesday centered on better organization of health services and formulation of strategy to deal with H1N1 virus. A relevant announcement says that all elements regarding alertness, effective inspection and prevention of H1N1 spreading were discussed and relevant instructions were given.

News item: 25479

[02] Focus on Copenhagen Conference

Global warming and UN International Conference on climate change to be held in Copenhagen was the focus of talks during the meeting of Prime-minister K. Karamanlis with Stavros Dimas EU Commissioner for Environment. Mr. Dimas has expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached to prevent irreversible impacts on the environment, stressing that the Greek government's support in the course of negotiations is very significant. Within the context of this effort, the EU has a protagonist role and will closely cooperate with the new administration of the US to achieve reduction of gas emissions causing the greenhouse effect.

Specifically, the EU Commissioner for environment said that the target of the EU and Copenhagen Conference- expected to replace the Kyoto Protocol- is to reduce gas emissions by 25%-40% till 2020 and by 80% till 2050 in developed countries and a total 50% in the world .

Mr. Dimas briefed the Prime-minister on the several stages to precede the Copenhagen conference. Among them negotiations to be held in Bonn in a few days and world leaders meeting on September, 22.

News item: 25470

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