After being sworn in, the new Health Minister Juan Manzur, spoke about the H1N1 virus situation in Argentina and its consequences. "Our country's situation is a serious one and a difficult one, and it is known all around. More than 119 countries are suffering from the H1N1 virus pandemic," said Manzur.

Manzur also said that "nationwide, it is recommended to suspend all scholarly activity." The newly appointed Minister said that "the infrastructure will be used to fight the pandemic." Manzur spoke about women who are pregnant and said that they would be given special attention.

The State, according to Manzur, will "take care of the situation for those who do not have health insurance." "It is a delicate situation," he said. "The risk of infection is still high and growing."

Government authorities announced that they will create a one billion pesos fund to fight Influenza A. Juan Luis Manzur took office this afternoon as the new Health Minister of Argentina when President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner appointed him.

However, he has already begun to actively participate to coordinate activity all around the nation with respect to the H1N1 virus, he said.

In this sense, Manzur started his official job today with a meeting with Jorge Lemus, a Buenos Aires health official, and another later with Social Development Minister Alicia Kirchner.

During the day, he also met with Claudio Zin and held a telephonic conversation with Hermes Binner, Sante Fe Province Governor.

Manzur had already met with Cabinet Chief Sergio Massa a few times, and President Fernández de Kirchner also participated in some of the meetings. Manzur is replacing Graciela Ocaña, who resigns on June 28.

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