WHO Influenza Global Agenda

Influenza is a serious health problem worldwide. It is important to reduce morbidity and mortality from annual influenza epidemics and to prepare for the next influenza pandemic. During the influenza epidemics every year, an estimated half a million people worldwide die. In 2001, only 250 million vaccine doses were used globally, whereas the people at greatest risk of dying from influenza, those aged over 65, already number more than 380 million. The majority of people, particularly those in developing countries, has no access to the vaccine or are unaware of its benefits. The Global Agenda, which was discussed during a WHO meeting on May 6-7, 2002, contains 17 priority actions focusing on: strengthen clinical/virological surveillance nationally and internationally; increase knowledge on social/economic burden of influenza; increase vaccine usage; and accelerate national and international pandemic plans. The Global Agenda is aimed to give impartial guidance to achieve the above objectives at national/global level, supporting fund raising for influenza control. The WHO Global Influenza Programme intends to maintain the current momentum of international strategy development and will continue to provide leadership in influenza prevention and control.