Is the World Prepared
Many people wonder if the world is fully prepared? The answer is no.
Despite the advance warning, the world is ill prepared to defend itself against a flu pandemic. WHO has urged all countries to develop preparedness plans, but only around 40 have done so. WHO has further urged countries with adequate resources to stockpile antiviral drugs nationally for use at the start of a pandemic. 10
Under the current situation, most developing countries may have limited access to vaccines and antiviral drugs throughout the duration of a pandemic.
"The next Influenza Pandemic will test notions of global solidarity. If the pandemic were to occur tomorrow we would be found wanting" - Dr Richard Coker 18
Two recent publications in the respected medical journal "The Lancet" evaluated pandemic preparedness of country plans in the Asia-pacific region and Europe. Most country plans did not address the logistical aspects of vaccination and antiviral stockpiling, distribution and delivery or the maintenance of essential services. 18,19
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