Pandemic flu campaign enters second stage

A billboard advertising campaign is urging people to wash their hands regularly as part of a national drive to ward off a potential influenza pandemic.

The billboard messages form of the second phase of a national campaign by the Pandemic Preparedness Committee to promote good practices that will be crucial in warding off or, at least, reducing the negative effects of influenza, a Health Division spokesman said.

Messages will be displayed on four billboards until September, targeting general hygiene and food preparation, including safety associated with well-cooked food, the importance of washing fruit and vegetables and putting uncooked meat at the bottom of the fridge, apart from hand washing.

The first billboard shows a person washing his hands and also includes the website where people will soon be able to access information about the influenza pandemic. Alas. the billboard displays the wrong website address; the correct one is www.pandemic.gov.mt.

The first phase of the National Pandemic Awareness Strategy kicked off in March, with an information pack for teachers distributed to all schools in Malta and Gozo. The pack included a newsletter and a set of four posters focusing on hygiene and healthy eating. An A3 poster was distributed by the Education Ministry to schools, telling students how to avoid influenza through three steps, and focusing on personal hygiene.