WHO says it is better prepared for influenza pandemic

"More than 100 public health experts have wrapped up a three-day meeting in Geneva to review a Global Action Plan for Influenza Vaccines that was developed in 2006, and to develop a strategic plan of action for the next five years," VOA News reports, noting that the WHO "says the world is better prepared for the next influenza pandemic than it was in the past" (Schlein, 7/14).

The WHO said on Thursday that international production of seasonal flu vaccine is predicted to double to 1.7 billion doses by 2015, with approximately 37 manufacturers worldwide potentially able to triple that amount to 5.4 billion if a global influenza pandemic occurs, Reuters notes (Nebehay, 7/14).