Avian Influenza and the Pandemic Threat

UNSIC has sustained the achievements of its first two-three years, adapted to changing circumstances and continued to support effective coordination on influenza, as well as more broadly on pandemic preparedness and One Health. It has operated effectively at both global and country/regional level, and provided crucial linkages between UN agencies and other non-UN actors at all levels. There are significant lessons to be learned from UNSIC’s light, networked approach to supporting coordination.

Dr David Nabarro (Senior UN System Influenza Coordinator) led a roundtable on preparedness at the ISDR Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva on 10 May. The Roundtable explored best practices for financing and coordinating disaster preparedness efforts. 300 people attended the roundtable, which was addressed by panelists from the European Parliament, the Governments of Chile and the United States, and the United Nations.

What does post-pandemic mean? How do we know that the pandemic is over?

10 AUGUST 2010 | GENEVA -- The world is now in the post-pandemic period. Based on knowledge about past pandemics, the H1N1 (2009) virus is expected to continue to circulate as a seasonal virus for some years to come. While the level of concern is now greatly diminished, vigilance on the part of national health authorities remains important. Such vigilance is especially critical in the immediate post-pandemic period, when the behaviour of the H1N1 (2009) virus as a seasonal virus cannot be reliably predicted.

Director-General's opening statement at virtual press conference

10 August 2010 -- The world is no longer in phase 6 of influenza pandemic alert. We are now moving into the post-pandemic period. The new H1N1 virus has largely run its course.

These are the views of members of the Emergency Committee, which was convened earlier today by teleconference.

The Committee based its assessment on the global situation, as well as reports from several countries that are now experiencing influenza. I fully agree with the Committee’s advice.