Seoul to seek transparent distribution of Tamiflu in N. Korea

By Tony Chang
SEOUL, Dec. 11 (Yonhap) -- Seoul will hold consultations with Pyongyang to ensure
transparency in the distribution of anti-viral drug Tamiflu among North Koreans,
following the latest inter-Korean agreement to jointly fight the outbreak of
Influenza A (H1N1) in the North, officials in Seoul said Friday.
North Korea, which earlier this week acknowledged the outbreak of H1N1 infections
on its soil, said Thursday it was willing to enlist South Korea's aid in its
fight against the highly infectious disease. Shortly after the North's
announcement, South Korea offered to send some 500,000 doses of Tamiflu across
the border.
The North has officially said just nine people have contracted the H1N1 virus,
though North Korea watchers speculate that the actual number of patients would be
far in excess of the official figure.
"We plan to consult with the North on appropriate ways to secure transparency in
distribution (of Tamiflu)," said Lee Jong-joo, spokesperson for the Unification
Ministry, at a press briefing.
"(We) believe that transparency of distribution, regarding any form of aid to the
North, is a key principle."
Regarding transparency, another official at the Unification Ministry said that
only patients confirmed with H1N1 infection should be allowed to be given
Tamiflu, noting that transparency of Tamiflu distribution should be seen
differently from other aid.
Besides Tamiflu, the government could consider sending other prophylactics
against H1N1, such as hand sterilizers, if North requests them during talks on
how to coordinate delivery of the medication, Lee said.
odissy@yna.co.kr
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