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Indonesia keeping bird flu deaths a secret
Last month a 15-year-old girl died of bird flu, becoming Indonesia's 109th
victim. However, USA Today reports that the government did not announce
the news as part of a new policy aimed at improving the image of the nation
hardest hit by the disease.
"How does it help us to announce these deaths?" said Heath Minister Siti
Fadilah Supari. "We want to focus now on positive steps and achievements made by
the government in fighting bird flu."
It is reported that Indonesia's decision tokeep bird flu deaths hidden
could aggravate the World Health Organization. The WHO updates its official
tally of Indonesia's bird flu deaths only until after they are formally
announced by the government.
On the
WHO website, Indonesians bird flu death toll stands at 133
cases and 108 deaths. The country now accountes for nearly half the 241 recorded
fatalities worldwide.
Related link:
World Health Organization
Editor WorldPoultry
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