Intense H1N1 activity in India: WHO

Even as the H1N1 influenza pandemic is coming to an end in the rich countries, nations like India and Egypt in the developing world must remain alert as there is “an intense influenza activity in New Delhi and other places”, said Dr Margaret Chan, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) director general, yesterday.

“We are seeing the entry of H1N1 influenza pandemic in some countries (India and Egypt) and places like New Delhi; while it has reached a plateau and is declining in countries in the Northern sphere, including Switzerland,” she told reporters.

Though she did not comment on how severe the pandemic is going to be in developing countries like India, she said it is important to remain alert and continue with the pandemic preparedness “during the next six to 12 months” by providing adequate vaccines.

“The HIN1 influenza pandemic is mild,” she said. “WHO’s pandemic preparedness and also the steps taken by different governments contributed to tackling the influenza pandemic on a strong footing,” said Dr Chan, suggesting that the total “clinically observed deaths” will be around 12,000” the world over.

Over 500 people are estimated to have died from H1N1 influenza in India and the general preparedness to confront the pandemic are not very satisfactory, international health analysts said.

While there is better preparedness to face the HIN1 influenza pandemic, “the world is not ready” to face the threat from more serious pandemics like H5N1 avian flu or other pandemics, the WHO chief observed.

“There is steady progress in global public health and health sector during the last ten years,” said Dr Chan. “However, the overall progress is still fragile and there are several unfinished gaps.”

The global economic crisis has had its adverse impact on the health sector in many countries where vital investments to tackle non-communicable diseases, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis and maternal mortality have come down during the last two years.