Responses to Avian and Human Influenza Threats : Progress, Analysis and Recommendations January - June 2006 : Draft

By Un System Influenza Coordinator and World Bank

Description
Economics

Excerpt
Between 2003 and the end of 2005, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 was reported from 15 countries, mainly in South East and Central Asia. From January to May 2006, the virus spread to more than 45 countries ?in some cases confined to wild fowl, but in several ?notably in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Indian Sub- Continent ?it was identified in domestic and commercial poultry populations. Hence the H5N1 influenza virus continues to spread among countries and remains a serious threat to animal and human health. In some countries the virus is endemic. -- 2. The international community has stepped up its campaign against current and potential consequences of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, particularly the influenza A H5N1 virus. Most countries have developed national plans to counter threats posed by avian and human pandemic influenza. They have been supported through close international and regional cooperation. Indeed, the world?s governments, together with many nongovernmental bodies, private entities and international scientific, developmental, humanitarian and security organizations have given high priority to helping human populations counter the threats posed by highly pathogenic influenza viruses. -- 3. Despite the progress made by many national governments in tackling this threat, and the intensive support provided by regional bodies and the international community, the campaign to reduce levels of H5N1 virus in the world?s animalpopulations is still at an early stage. Major national and international efforts are still needed to prevent HPAI infection in poultry and to contain infection when it occurs. As long as the virus persists, there is always a possibility it may develop the capability for sustained human-to-human transmission, with the potential to initiate a pandemic. Long-term political commitment, continued vigilance and substantial technical and financial assistance are essential to limit the overall level of virus in animals and develop defence measures against a pandemic. Singular success stories should not lead to complacency and relaxation but serve as examples for possible implementation. -- 4. To prepare this report, standardized information was obtained from 133 countries during early May 2006. This information revealed that substantial efforts have been made as countries prepare to confront HPAI and a possible human pandemic. This progress has not been dependent on the availability of substantial external financial assistance that was pledged in January 2006, in Beijing, as pledged funds are only just starting to flow. Hence local and national authorities have provided the resources needed to improve the capacity of veterinary services and biosecurity, to raise the standard of public health surveillance and response to suspected human cases of HPAI and to prepare for a possible human pandemic. They have been supported by multilateral development banks, bilateral aid organizations, specialised UN system agencies (FAO and WHO), OIE, other UN funds and programmes (such as UNICEF, UNDP, WFP and OCHA), voluntary organizations and the private sector.