ABU DHABI - A nationwide campaign to combat the swine flu (H1N1) pandemic was launched on Saturday in presence of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Gen. Shaikh Mohammed, who was the first to receive the swine flu vaccine, said that provision of healthcare services was one of the key elements of the UAE’s comprehensive development strategy.

“The healthy citizen is more capable to contribute in the implementation of the comprehensive development plans and in shaping the better tomorrow for our country,” he pointed out.

Gen. Shaikh Mohammed underlined the directives of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to meet all requirements to enhance efforts aimed at preventing the spread of the swine flu, and ensuring the safety of citizens and residents.

“The world is facing a real challenge with the emergence of H1N1 virus. There is a dire need to take stern preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease, not only in the regional levels but at the international levels, and to be prepared for the worst,” he said.

Gen. Shaikh Mohammed was briefed by the members of the Technical Health Committee on Combating Swine Flu on the plans to prevent the spread of the disease.

Expressing satisfaction at the level of preparations, he praised the efforts made by the Ministry of Health.

The campaign is also aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of immunisation against the disease, in addition to providing training to medical staff.