People see bird flu as a catastrophe afflicting Egypt, but I believe it is a real test for our ability to repeat our success in the Africa Cup of Nations in terms of management, organization and play.

Great nations are not made by the days of happiness and joy, but through ordeals and tribulations that ignite the mettle of the people. Many wrote about the importance of capitalizing on this genuine spirit to face the two successive catastrophes that hit Egypt, i.e. sinking of the ferryboat As-Salam 98 and the contagion of bird flu virus.

With the files of the first catastrophe still open, we must learn the lesson and mobilize the massive power of the youth towards the realization of one national goal where we can prove that we can succeed in other fields.

However, such an act needs full organization and cooperation among all concerned parties. We can start with universities and secondary and technical schools' students nationwide. The Ministry of Health can educate them and provide them with gloves, boots and whatever needed to confront this avian virus through educating slums inhabitants.

No doubt, such a confrontation will need huge financial support, which the State can not afford alone, especially as it undertook to compensate millions of workers in poultry industry. Thus, businessmen contributions are badly needed in this regard.

Unfortunately, the image of businessmen in Egypt linked to the opportunism and quick profit away from ambitions of ordinary peoples. The Egyptian businessmen shall assume their roles in facing the crisis threatening millions of poor families through providing fund necessary for preparing the health confrontation.

The media has a very important and vital role in dealing with the disease. The media must launch awareness campaigns through simple and clear reports clarifying duties of peoples in order to settle the crisis.

Safety and security of Egypt must be put above all considerations. President Mubarak said, in his meeting with the Egyptian football squad following wining the Africa Cup of Nations, that Egypt's success in this competition proves that we are able to achieve victory at any time. The time has come now for all Egyptians to cooperate together in face of the bird flu.

Wagdi Zeid
Al Ahram
Wednesday, February 22, 2006