United Nations Coordinator, Avian & Human Influenza

This presentation was delivered at a meeting co-sponsored by The World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health and the World Bank on avian influenza and human pandemic influenza held November 7-9 2005 in Geneva, Switzerland.

David Nabarro, United Nations Coordinator, Avian & Human Influenza, discussed the need for and challenges of a co-ordinated international response to avian influenza (also known as avian flu or bird flu). He states that world leaders are calling for better control of the current epidemic of avian influenza and the fullest possible international co-operation in preparing for the next pandemic threat and responding to the pandemic when it does come.

Four broad areas of work are outlined:

• prevent and contain spread of the H5N1 virus among birds and from birds to humans;
• increase country capacity for surveillance, early detection, diagnosis and reporting of cases - both animal and human, with full information sharing and transparency;
• intensify research, development and production of vaccines and antivirals and review manufacturing capacity and access; and
• communicate risks, prepare for the pandemic and provide people with information on what to do in different circumstances (be correct, clear and consistent).

The presentation also outlines various tasks. The first task is to explore what actions are needed for preparedness and response. This includes choosing the right interventions, assessing what is being done, and deciding what more needs to be done at the national, regional, and global levels. The second task includes establishing the kinds of support and resources that are required. The third is to develop strategies to monitor the movement of H5N1 virus and how to best pick up any suspected human-to-human transmission of an influenza virus. The fourth task includes developing plans for co-ordination of activities to implement interventions in a collective manner for maximum efficiency and minimum duplication and confusion.