'Some countries have reported additional strain on health personnel, hospital beds, laboratories and resources - this is of particular importance to us as resources in Africa are always limited,' the South African minister said.

He added that he hoped the potential effects of the pandemic on Africa's resource-constrained and already challenged health care systems would be adequately addressed during the three-day WHO conference.

As of Aug 6, 2009, 591 cases and two deaths have been reported in South Africa with local transmission established in two provinces, Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Minister Motsoaledi also commended the WHO for organising the conference at this stage of the pandemic in the African region.

He said the conference afforded the region an opportunity to examine the potential impact of the H1N1 pandemic on member states and address any shortcomings that may exist in its preparedness plans.

'We appreciate the fact that the WHO, through this conference, aim to address any gaps in the Preparedness and Response Plans with the view to mitigate the impact of the pandemic,' Motsolaedi added.