17 July 2009
This Week from Washington July 17
Podcast on H1N1 influenza, flu season preparations, interfaith dialogue
(begin transcript)
Narrator:
This is an America.gov podcast.
For print versions of articles, multimedia, and subscription information, visit www.america.gov.
As the number of cases of pandemic H1N1 continues to rise around the globe, uncertainties remain about the influenza’s continued spread, severity and genetic stability. As part of its continuing response, the Obama administration held a high-level summit on July 9th to help state and local governments in the United States prepare for the coming flu season.
As of July 7th, some 137 countries and territories had reported more than 98,000 cases of the flu. 440 deaths have also been reported to the World Health Organization. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on July 10th reported over 37,000 confirmed and probable cases and 211 deaths inside the United States.
Administration officials announced new programs and resources to help state and local governments, the medical community and citizens prepare for H1N1 and the fall flu season. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, which is nearly halfway through its winter season, the impact of flu is being felt heaviest in Argentina (2,485), Australia (5,298), Chile (7,376) and New Zealand (1,059).
As in the Northern Hemisphere, flu activity varies from country to country. According to the World Health Organization, for example, a few weeks ago Australia was reporting heavy pandemic activity in the Victoria area and lower levels in other parts of Australia. In South America, much of the heaviest activity has occurred in Chile, and then more recently in Argentina. Twelve countries in Africa had reported cases as of July 7 with nearly 100 cases and no deaths. But in only a few weeks, 12 African countries have reported cases, leading experts to conclude the virus is clearly spreading quickly through the Southern Hemisphere.
The World Health Organization and other organizations have helped African countries prepare to fight influenza. Two national influenza centers are now established in Africa, one in Cameroon and one in Côte d'Ivoire. U.S officials recognize that H1N1 is a global health concern. New programs, including grants, Web sites, and public announcements, aim to help the medical community and citizens prepare for the coming fall flu season. The administration is also seeking to tap into the nation’s creativity through a contest to create a public announcement to educate citizens about flu planning and prevention. The winning announcement will appear on national television and its creator will receive $2,500.
Although H1N1 has been shown to be resistant to several anti-viral drugs, these cases of drug resistance seem to be few, according to health officials. There is no evidence of the development of widespread anti-viral resistance among H1N1 viruses.
More than 30,000 Muslims from across America attended the 46th annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America in early July. The event, held in Washington, is described as the largest annual gathering of Muslim Americans.
Participants heard calls for building bridges of understanding and increased involvement in community service programs. In addition to building bridges between Muslim communities, the Islamic Society now plays a large role in extending bridges to all people of faith in North America.
Many speakers at the event in Washington illustrated this new, broader agenda. Valerie Jarrett is senior adviser to President Obama for public engagement and intergovernmental affairs. She praised the organization for addressing critical issues such as civic engagement and interfaith cooperation, addressing domestic violence, improving education and health care, expanding renewable energy and protecting the environment. She said the convention demonstrated the days of describing “Muslim issues” as distinct from “American issues” are gone. The work of these groups and others like them is crucial in confronting the challenges that all Americans face.
The organization’s president, Ingrid Mattson, talked about the diversity of Islam and the changing place of Muslims in American society. Many Muslims were relieved to be recognized in President Obama’s inaugural address as being an important part of American diversity, she said. She also emphasized that Muslim Americans have decided that they have the major responsibility to counter extremists’ views of Islam with their own mainstream views through public education and outreach to their neighbors on a local and national scale.
Another convention participant, Rick Warren, is the founder of Saddleback Church, an evangelical Christian “megachurch” in California. He asked how citizens deal with their deepest differences and maintain religious convictions while working together for the greater good. He called on Muslims and Christians to create respect, promote peace and tackle major world problems.
The importance of public service was a major theme of the meeting. Participants called President Obama’s initiative on community service, “United We Serve,” an opportunity for every Muslim American to be part of a nationwide movement to bring about positive change.
More than 70 sessions at the annual convention provided participants with the opportunity to address issues of Muslim and national concern, plan future projects, and engage in discussions across religions and generations.
This podcast is produced by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs. Links to other Internet sites or opinions expressed should not be considered an endorsement of other content and views.
(end transcript)
Listen to this Podcast (MP3)