Canada donates excess swine flu vaccines to WHO

Canada announced Thursday it has donated five million swine flu vaccine doses and six million Canadian dollars (5.6 million US) to the World Health Organization for its pandemic relief efforts.

The doses, which represent 10 percent of Canada's total H1N1 flu vaccine order, are intended to support immunization programs in developing countries.

The WHO reported pockets of intense swine flu activity in North Africa, South Asia and parts of Eastern Europe last week.

Following the largest national immunization campaign in Canadian history, Canada has excess vaccines available as the second wave of the H1N1 outbreak here appears to be over.

"We are fortunate to be in a position to contribute H1N1 flu vaccine to the WHO to help developing countries now that we have met Canada's immediate needs," Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said.

The outbreak claimed more than 400 Canadian lives in 2009.

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