Funding provided to buy supplies for influenza pandemic
November 20, 2006
Alberta’s nine health regions will receive $30 million to buy medical equipment and supplies that will be used to respond to an influenza pandemic.
What is…?
Influenza — Influenza is an infection of the lungs and airways caused by a virus. It is different than a cold or the stomach flu. More information.
Pandemic — A pandemic is a global epidemic. Three to four times each century the influenza virus changes in a major way. People will not have any protection against it and the virus will spread rapidly around the world. It can cause serious illness and death. More information.
The funding, to be provided in 2007-08, will be used to stock equipment and medications that will be needed during a pandemic, including:
injection and immunization supplies such as syringes and alcohol swabs
respiratory therapy supplies such as oxygen tubing and masks
medications for fever and asthma
laboratory supplies
intravenous supplies
gloves, masks and disposable thermometers
Most of the medical supplies that will be purchased are made outside of Canada and may be difficult to get during a global pandemic. A store of essential supplies is necessary to make sure health regions are able to take care of the sick and immunize Albertans once a pandemic arrives.
Public health experts predict a global influenza pandemic may occur within the next three years. Alberta has been preparing for an influenza pandemic since 1999.
