World Slow to Face Bird Flu Threat

In this BBC News article, Adam Blenford describes the
world as unprepared to handle an avian influenza pandemic. Sources from both the World Health Organization (WHO)
and the European Public Health Alliance are quoted as describing scenarios in which millions may die,
but for which national governments and civil society are not ready.



Only 40 countries, according to the author, have filed plans with WHO for dealing with an avian flu pandemic, and most of those are
wealthy western nations. WHO itself is described as relying largely on highly skilled volunteers
to respond in the case of an outbreak. The organisation warns it would be "pointless" to rely on volunteers in the case of a pandemic.



The article describes a recent simulation which found "the bird flu virus could be
contained by rapid identification of the source of infection, combined with quick
and intensive distribution of anti-viral drugs." The pharmaceutical company Roche has since agreed to make three million
courses of its anti-viral drug Tamiflu available to WHO, but Blenford questions whether
these drugs could be effectively distributed given the lack of a plan for
getting the drugs beyond a nearby airport.