Indonesian health officials say the country’s efforts to contain the deadly H5N1 virus have been efficient, but the “war is not over yet.”

Bayu Krisnamurti, chief of Indonesia’s National Commission for Bird Flu Control and Pandemic Preparedness said progress had been made at a press conference. The country’s infection rate is presently declining. The human fatality rate has risen though to more than 79 per cent, Krisnamurti said.

Indonesia is the state most affected by bird flu. From 99 known human cases, 79 did not survive. Twenty-two victims died this year, which means Indonesia also has the world's highest death toll from avian influenza.

“This reality poses a great challenge - how to get the patient diagnosed quickly and then treated at bird flu reference hospitals,” Krisnamurti said, given the situation that most of the 44 hospitals that treat bird flu are located in cities.

“Both national and community-level efforts by the government and international agencies have made a difference, but the situation is still serious. Everyone needs to remain vigilant,” Krisnamurti said, adding that the “war is not over.”

The health official emphasized the need for public awareness, saying, “There are still people who don't fully understand how important it is to protect themselves from the virus. We still need to promote these life-saving messages, over and over again.”

Bird flu is transmitted from ill birds. Most of the human cases of contamination were a result of contact, direct or indirect, with a sick bird. Krisnamurti said the last three human cases fell under the same category.

The victims had contact with sick chickens bought from local poultry markets or slaughtered and prepared the chickens to eat without taking proper precautions, Krisnamurti said.

The National Commission for Bird Flu Control and Pandemic Preparedness launched a new programme aimed to raise awareness among rural communities, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund.

The local leaders in villages considered to be at high risk of contracting bird flu were given avian influenza kits which include masks, gloves, liquid soap, a street banner, bird flu education VCDs, flyers and a booklet that explains effective ways to reduce the risk of contracting bird flu.