Somalia warns of possible A/H1N1 flu outbreak, appeals for int'l support

"We know of no case of the A/H1N1 flu in the country but we worry about the possibility of the spread of the disease because of the fact that cases of the disease were found in neighboring countries with whom we have pervious borders," Qamar Aden Ali, Somali Health Minister told Xinhua.

Ali appealed to the international community and WHO for assistance in preventing the occurrence of the flu whose presence in the country is not yet known.

"We lack the technical capability to diagnose the disease and the necessary drugs to treat it. So we call upon the international community particularly the World Health Organization to give us the necessary drugs and technical advice and training for our health staff," said the minister.

Some cases of the epidemic were found in neighboring Kenya last month. Kenya shares long and largely unprotected border with southern Somalia; Kazinform refers to Xinhua.

See www.xinhuanet.com for full version.