Global Handling of Swine Flu

WHO chief Chan welcomed the first results from the committee claiming that the report excuses the agency on flu handling.

World Health Organization chief Margaret Chan welcomed the first results from the committee reviewing the WHO's performance during the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic, claiming that the report excuses the agency on flu handling. The director general of the World Health Organization told the review committee that she felt its assessment had needed to give a firm answer on "two absolutely critical questions."

"First, did WHO make the right call? Was this a real pandemic or not?" Chan said.

Swine Flu | Swine Influenza | Hog Flu | Pig Flu
Swine flu, a type of influenza caused by a new strain of the H1N1 Type A influenza virus has originated from the pigs. Winter always brings along the chills and the flu, make sure you're safe this season.

"Second, were WHO decisions, advice, and actions shaped in any way by ties with the pharmaceutical industry? In other words, did WHO declare a fake pandemic in order to line the pockets of industry?"

In their preliminary report released on March 10, the independent experts appointed by the UN health agency said it had failed to issue timely guidance during the pandemic and that its flu response and alert plans needed revision.

However, they rejected claims that the WHO was influenced by commercial interests in its decision to declare a pandemic and order vaccine supplies, even though it criticised the robustness of the procedures for disclosing conflicts of interest among its medical advisors.

Quiz on Flu
Influenza (or rather, the flu) is a cold weather infectious condition that affects the young and old alike. Though most reported cases are mild, the flu can sometimes cause severe and life-threatening complications in both children and adults, thanks to wrong medications and improper vaccinations. Learn more about the disease from our Flu Quiz and guard yourself and your family from a possible infection.

The report also delivered a broader warning to the world about preparations and the shortage of resources countries can mobilise against a flu pandemic.

Chan acknowledged that the WHO needed to manage potential conflicts of interest much better. "We are already doing so," she added.

Swine Flu Risk Calculator
Find out the risks for contracting swine flu and take the necessary precautionary steps. Swine flu caused a pandemic in 2009 with several deaths reported worldwide.

"WHO welcomes the preview document, its conclusions, and its recommendations. We will do our utmost to implement them," she said.

"But let me be very frank. Some of your recommendations will be far easier to implement than others," Chan added, notably those linked to problems with the international system including a lack of harmonised medical standards.

Mexico State on Swine Flu Alert
Mexico's Chihuahua state along the US border on alert after four people recently died of the virus.

A(H1N1) swine flu killed at least 18,449 people and affected some 214 countries and territories after it was uncovered in Mexico and the United States in April 2009.

The quick spread of the infectious new strain wordwide prompted the UN health agency to declare a pandemic on June 11, 2009 until August 10, 2010.

But the response was marred by doubts about the severity of the virus.

Source-AFP