"THERE WILL be another influenza pandemic" and no government can afford to be caught off guard, according to World Health Organisation Director-General Dr. Lee Jong-wook.
"There is a storm brewing that will test us all. We must anticipate it and prepare to the very best of our combined ability," Dr. Lee told ministers of health from the Americas at the Pan American Health Organisation's (PAHO) 46th Directing Council meeting yesterday.
"Forecasts indicate that the political, social and economic costs of such a pandemic will be huge. I cannot emphasise this enough. Failure to take this threat seriously and prepare appropriately will have catastrophic consequences," Dr. Lee said.
He called on health ministers to support the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza launched recently by President George W. Bush at the United Nations General Assembly. "This initiative needs full international cooperation if it is to fulfill its aims. I ask you all to sign up and give it your active support," he said. PAHO's Directing Council meeting continues through Friday.
Source: Pan American Health Organisation
