The World Health Organization (WHO) has instigated a comprehensive approach to tackle influenza worldwide with its Global Influenza Strategy for 2019-2030. The primary objectives of this strategy are to prevent seasonal influenza, contain the virus’s transmission from animals to humans, and bolster preparations for the impending pandemics. A pandemic refers to the global distribution of a novel disease. It occurs when a fresh influenza virus surfaces and spreads across the world, leaving most people without immunity. Viruses that spurred past pandemics often stem from animal influenza viruses.
Annual Impact of Influenza
Influenza epidemics are primarily seasonal and influence around one billion people, taking the lives of hundreds of thousands every year. This makes it one of the largest public health obstacles globally. For instance, H5N1, also known as avian or bird flu, is an influenza virus type that induces highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds.
The Cornerstones of WHO’s New Strategy
The freshly formulated strategy by WHO is the most elaborate and impactful ever designed for influenza prevention and control. It complies with one of WHO’s mandates to enhance core capacities for public health and escalate global preparedness. The strategy delineates a course to safeguard populations annually and fortify pandemic preparations via the reinforcement of routine programs.
Attributes of the New Strategy
The key features of the new strategy include:
Successful WHO Programs as Building Blocks
The new influenza strategy draws from and benefits from successful WHO programs like GISRS and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework.
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| GISRS | Established in 1952, the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) comprises WHO Collaboration Centers and national influenza centers. It concentrates on monitoring seasonal trends and potentially pandemic viruses, serving as the global alert system’s backbone for influenza. |
| Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework | This unique access and benefit-sharing system facilitates the sharing of potentially pandemic viruses, provides access to life-saving vaccines and treatments during a pandemic, and supports the construction of pandemic preparedness capacities in countries, leveraging contributions from the industry. |
About the World Health Organisation
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is a specialized United Nations agency focusing on international public health. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the WHO came into effect on April 7, 1948, a date now celebrated annually as World Health Day. The World Health Assembly, attended by delegations from 194 member states, is the supreme decision-making body within the WHO, meeting every year.
