Tunis — As the year 2009 dawns, the H1N1pandemic shows no sign of abating. The whole world is concerned about the spread of the virus. Of late, more than 200 countries have been touched and the virus is said to have caused the death of 12,000 people as confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In Tunisia, 3200 cases were reported, among which 1095 were confirmed after an accurate diagnosis carried out at the Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis. 2080 others were revealed following a speedy diagnosis. The virus has claimed 18 casualties so far, including 3 people who did not present any risk factor.

The news was announced during a periodic meeting held on Tuesday to assess the epidemiological situation in Tunisia and to monitor the spread of the virus during the winter season. Dr Noureddine Achour the Director General of the National Observatory of Emergent and Re-emergent Diseases said that 300 people infected out of 600, have been hospitalized

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Lakhal Director of the "Centre National de Pharmacovigilance" (Centre for epidemiological monitoring) said that in Tunisia no side effects for the vaccine have been reported so far.

In relation to the vaccination campaign carried out nationwide, Dr Mongi Hamrouni Director of the country's Basic Health Care said that 10 million dinars have been allocated for the purchase of the vaccine. He also reminded that 300,000 doses of the vaccine are available. He added that 150,000 people among whom 10,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated to date.

22,000 doses will be made available for pregnant women and children within the next few weeks, he said.