UNITED NATIONS REPORTS IMPROVED RESPONSES TO AVIAN INFLUENZA, SEES GLOBAL

SOLIDARITY AS KEY TO BEING READY FOR FUTURE PANDEMICS

 

Although a massive global effort to control highly pathogenic avian influenza (or severe bird flu) has led to improved responses to outbreaks in poultry in many countries during the last year, there is a continuing risk of a virus mutation which results in severe and easily transmitted influenza in humans, potentially precipitating an influenza pandemic, according to a recently completed United Nations and World Bank progress report on responses to avian influenza and preparedness for a pandemic.  (Progress Report on the Global State of Influenza Pandemic Readiness and Capacity to Control Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza:  December 2007)

The pandemic threat has led most Governments to improve services to detect, contain and lessen the impact of dangerous pathogens.  Many national pandemic plans, however, are not sufficiently operational and the coordination of pandemic planning between countries needs greater attention.

“Pathogens are becoming more mobile as a result of increases in international travel and trade as well as changes in ecosystems,” UN System Senior Influenza Coordinator David Nabarro said today in New York.  “They cause diseases that threaten the health and well being of the entire world population.  The long-term security of the human race requires all nations to prepare together -- so that when new disease outbreaks and pandemics do occur, responses will be adequate and meet the needs of all people and not just a fortunate few.” 

Speaking in advance of the New Delhi 4-6 December minister-level global conference on avian and pandemic influenza hosted by the Government of India, Dr. Nabarro encouraged Governments, private entities and voluntary agencies to work together, devising, testing and then updating multi-sectoral preparedness plans.  He also encouraged effective working between countries on protocols for joint implementation. 

Fighting Avian Influenza

During the last three years the H5N1 virus strain spread rapidly in East Asia and then on to locations in North and West Africa, in central Europe and as far west as England.  Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was reported in 15 countries in 2005, by 2006 the H5N1 virus was found in at least 55 countries and territories. 

But by mid-2007, prevention and control strategies developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health had been adopted by countries and helped reduce to six the number of countries in which the disease is known to be entrenched.  Intensive control efforts -– including vaccination of poultry –- are being mounted in these settings to get the disease under control and eliminate outbreaks when they occur.  Under present conditions, most other countries are able to control outbreaks when they occur in other settings.

But the risk of re-infection of poultry with HPAI is always present.  Nations that were treating bird flu as an emergency two years ago, are moving on to develop longer term sustainable strategies for the healthy rearing of livestock and management of wildfowl, and investing in systems to improve animal health, including better-run veterinary services.  Such reforms reduce the risks of disease (including HPAI) spreading among animals and moving from animals to humans. 

“The control of highly pathogenic avian influenza in animals is essential to protect poultry farming and related industries, the income of small backyard poultry holders, and the large numbers of people depending on poultry and eggs for their nutrition,” according to the report.  “Controlling disease in animals lies at the root of preventing human infections and reducing the probability of a pandemic.  There is a need for professionals who work on animal and human health, environmental health, food safety and crisis management to work together to ensure the world is better prepared for diseases that threaten the security of the human  race.”

Preparing for Pandemics

Using the framework of the revised International Health Regulations, and with leadership from the World Health Organization, many nations have started to prepare health and other essential services to respond to the threat of pandemics due to the influenza virus or other pathogens.  Some have also embarked on ambitious information campaigns to engage the public in pandemic preparedness.

When the next pandemic appears, heightened human need will deepen the plight of people in poorer countries:  basic services are already being overstretched by current demands.  With strong support from international donors, the United Nations, the Red Cross movement, non-governmental organizations and private entities are together investing substantially to ensure the continued availability of humanitarian assistance in the event of a pandemic.

Critical Need for Solidarity between Countries

The report is based on data provided by 143 countries.  Ninety-five per cent responded that they are planning for a pandemic; several have taken steps to ensure continuity of vital infrastructure in such a contingency; and some have tested their plans in simulation exercises.  Nearly three quarters have launched communication campaigns to raise awareness of avian and human influenza.  

“Much more remains to be done,” Dr. Nabarro said in New York.  “The risk of avian influenza (and of other diseases able to move from animals to humans) must be controlled through healthier livestock rearing and better animal health services.  National pandemic preparedness plans need to involve a broad range of sectors, besides health, and be properly tested.  Better interaction between animal and human health services is vital.” 

“But the most urgent need, now, is for the Governments of different countries to work together,” he said.  “First, they must contain avian influenza and other animal diseases that might affect humans.  Second, they must prepare for influenza and other possible pandemics.  The ministers who attend the New Delhi meeting have an excellent opportunity to review how they will sustain national efforts and enhance cooperation -– and solidarity -- between countries.”

For more information (or copies of the report), contact Tim Wall of the UN Department of Public Information, tel.:  1 212 963 5851, e-mail:  wallt@un.org.

International Agencies Participating in UN System-Wide Action Plan on Avian and Human Influenza

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

The International Labour Organization (ILO)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Organisation Mondiale de la Santé Animale (World Organization for Animal Health) (OIE)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN WTO)

The World Bank

The World Food Programme (WFP)

The World Health Organization (WHO)

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For information media • not an official record