New Report Says a Pandemic is Overdue, But Companies and Nations are ill Prepared to Cope With ...( Ten Best Practices Offered t...),Health

Ten Best Practices Offered to Overcome 'Pandemic Fatigue'

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, September 27 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report issued today by Marsh and The Albright Group, two of the world's foremost risk experts, warns that the catastrophic impacts of a long-lasting pandemic are not only likely to happen, but overdue. The study also states the impact of a pandemic is likely to exceed what most corporate and governmental leaders have imagined, or are prepared for. This comes on the heels of U.S. government reports issued earlier this month that come to similar conclusions.

The Marsh - Albright Group report has two primary focuses: social and economic. The social impact looks at the health and well-being of citizens, families, employees, customers and business partners. The economic impact includes a deeper understanding of the potential for disruption of operations and supply chains, as well as diminishing or fluxing demand for products and services. The report's findings will be discussed by experts during the 5th International Bird Flu Summit, being held here this week at the Thomas & Mack Center.

"Corporate Pandemic Preparedness: Current Challenges to and Best Practices for Building a More Resilient Enterprise" was funded through an educational grant by Roche to help it better gauge potential global markets needs should a pandemic occur.

The scientific consensus is that an avian pandemic could sicken 20 percent of the world's population, result in absenteeism of 40 percent of the global workforce, and kill tens, if not hundreds, of millions of people. The report goes on to say that outbreaks will likely move along modern transportation and distribution chains, with transportation hubs being especially vulnerable. Disruption at these hubs will be significant and could have an irreversible impact on businesses.

"We found very few companies adequately prepared to protect their people or ensure the continuity of their business in t
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