Originally published November 10 2005
Conference in Geneva aims to establish a worldwide bird flu plan
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dr. Lee Jong-Wook, director general of the WHO, was a key participant in the recent meeting of world health leaders in Geneva to discuss a global plan in the event of an avian flu epidemic.
"It is only a matter of time before an avian flu virus - most likely H5N1 - acquires the ability to be transmitted from human to human, sparking the outbreak of human pandemic influenza," said Dr. Lee Jong-Wook, director general of the WHO.
Lee's comments came at the opening of a three-day conference in Geneva designed to develop a global strategy to deal with bird flu, which so far has killed at least 63 people in four Asian countries.
"We have been experiencing the relentless spread of avian flu," he said.
"Migratory birds, as they move around the world to seasonal breeding and feeding grounds, are infecting domestic poultry flocks around the world."
Officials fear that if the H5N1 virus mutates, it could combine with human flu viruses and trigger a human pandemic in which millions could die.
"Action is required now," insisted Samuel Jutzi, director of the animal production and health division at the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The World Bank planned to launch an appeal for $500 million at the conference to aid countries hit by a pandemic.
Among the topics being discussed at the conference are ways to prevent and contain the spread of the H5N1 virus among birds and from birds to humans; methods to increase surveillance, detection, diagnosis and reporting of cases; issues dealing with vaccines, including stockpiling and distributing drugs; and developing communications and preparedness plans.
- All of Beijing's 169 live poultry markets were ordered to close immediately as China stepped up efforts to fight bird flu.
- Swiss drug maker Roche said it was stepping up production of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu to meet worldwide demand.
Poultry producers Tyson Foods and Perdue were also planning to launch campaigns to educate the public about bird flu, the magazine said.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml