Swine Flu: World Vision Warns Face Masks Running Out, Vulnerable may be Forgotten

Agency concerned flu could spread south into less developed countries

Mexico City, April 27, 2009 -- Relief agency World Vision is warning today that face masks are running out in Mexico's capital city of 20 million people--and that vulnerable populations like street children and youth may fall through the cracks of the public health system. The organization is monitoring the health status of homeless street children with whom it works in Mexico City, while working to bring in high-quality face masks from a location as close to the crisis as possible.

The global agency is also concerned that swine flu could begin to spread south into countries with far less developed public health infrastructure. World Vision is warning its staff across Latin America and the Caribbean to take precautions for their own health and to be on alert for signs of flu in their program communities.

"The epidemic outbreak of swine flu has paralyzed Mexico City and other areas of the country. Face masks are one of our number one needs right now, since they're currently not available in this city of 20 million people. Most places have run out of masks and similar products, since everyone is trying to get them," said Aldo Pontecorvo, World Vision's emergency response director from Mexico City.

"Also, the type of common masks most people are using need to be changed every four hours or so to be useful, so this also creates the needs for many, many masks per person. And we must also remember that masks are only one of many tools needed to prevent the spread of this flu," Pontecorvo added.

"Our greatest concern right now is the health status of Mexico City's vulnerable residents, especially street children and youth. World Vision works with street children here in Mexico City, and our staff are working to ensure that these youth are aware of the symptoms and if needed, get referred to hospitals. So far, we have not received any reports of the youth we work with falling ill, "said Pontecorvo.

World Vision's Mexico team is in direct communication with the country's Health Ministry and Civil Protections Secretariats and is prepared to respond as the government requests. The agency's Mexico City office, meanwhile, has suspended all large-group events such as meetings and trainings, and is asking staff to take necessary health precautions and follow the guidelines from the government.

While Mexico's flu cases have so far been reported in urban areas--mainly Mexico City--World Vision is closely monitoring the health status of its staff and sponsored children in rural areas, where it has most of its projects. All staff are being asked to take necessary health precautions and follow the guidelines from the government.

Currently, World Vision works in 330 impoverished communities in nine states in Mexico, focusing on community development, nutrition, microfinance, sustainable agriculture, HIV/AIDS prevention and care and the needs of urban street children.

World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. We serve the world’s poor regardless of a person’s religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press