Barbados Stockpiling Tamiflu

Barbados is preparing for the possibility of an avian flu (bird flu) outbreak hitting the island by stockpiling drugs, such as Tamiflu, to treat the virus.

Prime minister Owen Arthur said that his government had decided to deploy resources now rather than adopt a wait-and-see policy in the face of the threat.

Arthur said he had given permission to his minister of health “to pay to stockpile the drugs" now so the country "would be ready" if the virus reaches the island.

Although Barbados’ chief medical officer Dr. Joy St. John has found no evidence of bird flu on the island, she said there had been discussions last year about what should be done if bird flu “turns from being an animal virus to a virus that can easily pass from human to human.”

Barbados’ move to stockpile Tamiflu -- the drug that experts believe is the most effective in treating bird flu in humans -- mirrors actions underway in many other countries around the globe where demand for the drug is increasing.

Although Tamiflu may help humans fight the virus, scientists pointed out that there is no human vaccine for the spreading strain of bird flu. 

Linda, Travel 2 the Caribbean