iJET Unveils 2007 Year-in-Review Report on Avian Influenza and Pandemi...(like 2006 which saw the unprecedented sp...),Health

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Nevertheless, avian influenza remained a significant problem in several Asian countries, Egypt and West Africa. Several countries -- notably Indonesia and Egypt -- struggled to contain outbreaks while Myanmar and Pakistan reported their first human cases. During 2007, more than half of the world's human infections -- and nearly 70 percent of all deaths -- were reported from Indonesia.

Problems and Progress

Despite many advances in research, currently available medical countermeasures would be insufficient to contain the spread of pandemic influenza, and pandemic-specific influenza vaccines could not be made in ample quantity or quickly enough to protect the world population during the first wave of a pandemic. The efficacy of currently available antivirals for the treatment of pandemic influenza is also uncertain. The development of new technologies and medical countermeasures will be dependent upon significant financial support from governments.

Pandemic Response and Preparedness

During 2007, governments and corporations worked to improve pandemic preparedness -- with more than 80 percent of countries developing national plans for both avian and pandemic influenza. While a positive sign, more still needs to be done. In general, public planners have yet to adequately address vulnerabilities associated with critical service sectors other than healthcare, while corporate executives need to give added attention to supply chains and partners.

"Pandemic monitoring and planning is essential and continues to be a major business consideration for multinational organizations," said Joan Pfinsgraff, M.D., director of health intelligence for iJET. "It is not only necessary, but imperative for organizations to understand the significant impact that a pa
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