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Scotland to contribute swine flu vaccines to developing nations

The Health Secretary has welcomed the move.

17 September 2009 20:31 GMT

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Scotland to contribute swine flu vaccines to developing nations

Nicola Sturgeon, the Health Secretary, has welcomed an agreement which will see Scotland and the rest of the UK donating swine flu vaccines to some developing countries.

Up to £23million will be given to countries through the Department for International Development to deal with the H1N1 pandemic.

The news comes as swine flu claimed a ninth Scottish victim on Thursday.

The commitment is equivalent to donating 10% of the domestic supply of the vaccine.

It will be provided to the World Health Organisation on a rolling basis as and when the vaccine supplies become available. Other countries contributing to the scheme include the Unites States, Brazil and Switzerland.

Ms Sturgeon said: "I am pleased we are doing what we can to help people who have less access to health services and the necessary drugs to combat H1N1.

"Scotland has been at the forefront of the response to swine flu and is well prepared for the planned vaccination programme.

"Vaccination is the best defence we have against the H1N1 virus and we have to work as a united front to ensure poorer countries also have access to this defence.

"The international community will act quickly to ensure people who are most vulnerable are protected against H1N1."


 

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