A REPRESENTATIVE from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has endorsed the safety of the Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine and encouraged the public to get their shots.

Newly-appointed WHO Representative for Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and Malaysia Dr Corrine Capuano said that the H1N1 vaccine has "little side effects" and assured the public that they are working with the Ministry of Health to ensure the safety of the vaccine doses.

"As you know, millions of people around the world have been vaccinated and the latest batch carries the same kind of effect," she said in a press conference at the Ministry of Health yesterday.

"No one has to die from this (H1N1). Pregnant women are at risk and we can prevent that. Brunei has vaccines that can cover the whole population so there is a unique chance for everyone to get the vaccination," Dr Corrine said, adding that her three children and husband had already taken the H1N1 jab. 

Director-General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health Dr Hjh Rahmah Hj Md Salleh shared similar sentiments and called on the public to get their shots because 196 H1N1 cases have been recorded in March.

"Our call to the public is to get their vaccine. We already have assurance from Dr Corrine on how safe it is. The spread of the virus is not over yet, and it is still with us, so I would strongly suggest that people get their vaccinations," she said. 

Prior to the press conference, Dr Corrine presented her letter of appointment to the Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman yesterday. She arrived in Brunei on Monday.

Dr Corrine said that she was impressed with the services provided by the Ministry of Health.

"Everything seems to be quite accessible and that is what we usually look at. The health system in Brunei is really quite impressive and is very good," she said.

Her role as a representative is to make sure that the expertise of Brunei is brought on a regional and international level, as well as providing technical support.

She said that collaborations with Brunei will work on a two-year cycle (currently 2010/11 cycle). 

"We have identified areas of collaboration for the next two years, where one will be on communicable diseases such as Hepatitis Band two other activities, where one will be in patient safety and medicinal policy," she said.

Dr Hjh Rahmah also clarified that the collaboration would not only be limited to what was mentioned by Dr Corrine, but looking at Brunei's overall healthcare system.

"Because it is her first time, her purpose in coming here is to look at the general view of how our health system works as well as share the key areas, which is not just limited to the areas she mentioned," she added.

The WHO representative is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the office operates under the umbrella of the Western Pacific Regional Office and acts as a catalyst and advocate for action at all levels, from local to global health issues of concern.

Dr Corrine left yesterday and will be holding her post as WHO representative for the three countries over the next four to six years.

The Brunei Times