May 20, 2009 

Statement from HACU regarding H1N1 virus and its impact on International Higher Education

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has joined the efforts of various sister organizations and many higher education institutions to disseminate accurate and objective information regarding the A H1N1 virus and its consequences in international higher education.  A joint statement issued by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration (CONAHEC), and the Mexican Association for International Education (AMPEI) provides an adequate perspective to the real dimensions of the phenomenon.

HACU understands that accurate, trustworthy information is vital so that Institutions of higher learning can make the best decisions regarding their international education programs around the world.

The reduction of the level of alert for travel to Mexico by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States announced on May 16, 2009, from the status of “travel warning” to “travel precaution” was followed by a similar measure by the U.S. Department of State. This is an encouraging sign, congruent with developments in terms of recognizing the efforts by the Mexican authorities, institutions and individuals and its effects on the reduction of the phenomenon and of its appropriate control.  

The HACU portal is including the IIE-CONAHEC-AMPEI Statement under International Programs and encourages its membership to stay up-to-date by visiting the dedicated Web site http://www.conahec.org/conahec/portlets/H1N1Virus/index.html.

HACU certainly hopes that the negative effects of this pandemic will be totally controlled in the near future, as efforts have already begun to prepare a vaccine, according to statements by the World Health Organization.