Pandemic Influenza: A Global Perspective

This presentation was delivered by Klaus Stöhr of the World Health Organization (WHO) at the conference 'Vaccine Production: Potential Engineering Approaches to a Pandemic,' held in April 2006 in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. The presentation discusses the possible implications of an outbreak of pandemic influenza, including how it will affect community services and possibly result in social and political disruptions, as well as economic losses. It particularly explores the possibility of an avian influenza (also know as avian flu or bird flu) outbreak. It mentions that 150 countries have reported that they have preparedness plans, but less than 50 countries have published pandemic preparedness plans. A preparedness plan consists of strategies around the health service response, public health response, communications, surveillance and information gathering, and leadership, organisation and co-ordination.

The presentation discusses the possibilities and challenges with stockpiling antivirals. It also discusses how timely and equitable access to safe and effective influenza pandemic vaccines will depend on the efficiency of the production phase. Research is needed to support vaccine production, as well as a central laboratory facility for serological testing. Post-marketing surveillance/pharmo-vigilance recommendations will need to b e developed. According to the presentation, vaccines and antivirals will not be available for the majority of the world population. National pandemic preparedness can reduce health impact and social and economic disruption.