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THE
United Nations (UN) reinvigorated its warning on the
continued danger of an avian-influenza epidemic in
individual nations and possible pandemic in the world in
its joint report with the World Bank (WB) on the bird
flu, although incidence has declined.
The
UN-WB Progress Report on the Global State of Influenza
Pandemic Readiness and Capacity to Control Highly
Pathogenic Avian Influenza said modern travel systems
and increased individual mobility remain key factors in
the spread of the disease.
The good
news, it said, is that massive global effort to control
severe bird flu has led to improved responses to
outbreaks in many countries last year.
“Pathogens are becoming more mobile as a result of
increases in international travel and trade as well as
changes in ecosystems. 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,” said UN System senior
influenza coordinator David Nabarro in a statement.
In a
separate statement, the UN said the pandemic threat has
led most governments to improve services to detect,
contain and lessen the impact of dangerous pathogens.
However, the UN said that many national pandemic plans
are insufficiently operational and the coordination of
pandemic planning between countries need greater
attention.
Dr.
Nabarro encouraged governments, private entities and
voluntary agencies to work together devising, testing
and then updating multisectoral preparedness plans. He
also encouraged effective coordination and cooperation
between countries on protocols for joint implementation
ahead of the minister-level global conference on avian
and pandemic influenza to be hosted by India in New
Delhi from December 4 to 6.
The
report, based on data provided by 143 countries, showed
that 95 percent responded 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. 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,” said Nabarro.
He
added, “But the most urgent need, now, is for the
governments of different countries to work together.
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.”
The UN
statement said the report showed that 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 many countries.
This
helped reduce the number of countries in which the
highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPA1) was reported in
only six from 15 countries in 2005 and 55 countries and
territories in 2006. The report also noted that
intensive control efforts such as the vaccination of
poultry are being undertaken.
The UN
said the report also noted that under present
conditions, many countries are already able to control
outbreaks when they occur.
However,
the UN said the risk of re-infection of poultry with
HPA1 is always present. Countries treating bird flu as
an emergency two years ago are now developing
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 which reduce the risks of
disease spreading among animals and moving from animals
to humans. |
