Seasonal Influenza

Visit the Seasonal Influenza Page for an organized listing of the materials available on this topic.

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Announcements

Influenza A (H1N1): Lessons Learned and Preparing for the Future
High-level Meeting on Influenza A (H1N1). Mexico. 3 July 2009.- Director's closing remarks - 'I believe that we are reaping the fruits of years of planning and preparation, which have been very important and, since 2007, have put most of the countries on a rather similar and equitable plane in terms of their ability to participate and implement the International Health Regulations' ... 'this is the real political challenge, always bearing in mind the fundamental principles of protecting the population, solidarity, and equity, and above all trust among peoples and among authorities'.(13/Jul/2009)
In English       (12.61k)   (181.44k)  
en español     (13.62k)   (179.49k)  

Public Health Emergency of International Concern
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas (AMRO) of the World Health Organization (WHO) coordinating the actions with the health authorities and governments of the Region in order to preserve the health, our most basic asset.
Director Office's Newsletters
Issue No. 10 - May 20, 2009
Issue No. 08 - April 29, 2009
Issue No. 07 - April 27, 2009(20/May/2009)
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en español     .   

A H1N1 - An Outbreak Timeline
Science Magazine. 8 May 2009.- "I'm amazed at the capacity we have with the information and communication technologies," says epidemiologist Mirta Roses Periago, head of the Pan American Health Organization. "We used to do things with our hands and smelling and looking at the patients." During the past few weeks, she notes, scientists have rapidly shared sequences of the viruses, digital images of patient x-rays, and electron micrographs of the new H1N1.
"At this point in history, this is the best surveillance we've ever had," said Keiji Fukuda, one of WHO's assistant director generals.
Read more in Science Magazine »
PDF Article »(8/May/2009)
In English       .   

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Books

Priorities in Health
Two overarching themes emerge from the extensive research and analyses in this World Bank publication: (1) Current resources can yield substantial health gains if knowledge of cost-effective interventions were applied more fully. (2) Additional resources are needed in low-income countries to minimize the glaring inequities in health care. Increased resources would provide highly-effective interventions, expand research, and extend basic health coverage to more people. WHO contributed to this publication.(3/Apr/2006)
In English       DCPP  
en español     DCPP  
en Français    DCPP  
em Português DCPP  

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Multimedia

Quality of Vaccines to Be Purchased by the PAHO/Revolving Fund
This 9-slide PowerPoint PDF presentation gives details on the vaccine assessment process to verify that the vaccines (a) meet the specifications of the relevant UN Agencies; and (b) are produced and overseen in accordance with the principles recommended by WHO, including those for good manufacturing practices (GMP). This is intended to ensure that vaccines used in national immunization services in different countries are safe and effective and that they meet particular operational specifications for packaging and presentation.(16/Sep/2005)
In English       (328.33k)  

Introduction of New and Underutilized Vaccines: Assuring Vaccine Supplies for the Americas
The purpose of this 15-slide PowerPoint PDF presentation is to (1) review Regional Program strategies; (b) discuss PAHO’s approach to technical assistance to countries; and highlight importance of sustaining vaccine supplies for new products.(16/Sep/2005)
In English       (271.33k)  

Revolving Fund Assessment: A Collaborative Initiative by Countries, Suppliers and PAHO
This 13-slide PowerPoint PDF presentation focuses on evaluating Revolving Fund activies in providing vaccines and supplies to the countries. This initiative involves partnership with the Latin American Logistics Center and Georgetown University.(16/Sep/2005)
In English       (1000.65k)  

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Other Resources

National Influenza Centers in PAHO Member States
This page provides information on the national influenza centers in the PAHO Member Countries, arranged by country and city, with links to the institutional websites, contact persons (with e-mail links when possible), and mailing addresses with phone and/or fax numbers.(30/Mar/2007)
In English       (13.97k)  
en español     (14.23k)  

Investing in Global Health: 'Best Buys' and Priorities for Action in Developing Countries
These three new volumes from the World Bank Disease Control Priorities Project--Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries (2^nd ed.), Priorities in Health, and Global Burden of Disease and Risk Factors--are part of an ongoing initiative to provide technical resources to improve the health systems, and ultimately the health of people, in developing countries.(3/Apr/2006)
In English       DCP Site  

Seasonal Influenza
This page offers an organized listing of all PAHO documents on the topic of seasonal influenza, as well as links to other sites with relevant information, primarily at WHO and in the Region of the Americas.(31/Mar/2006)
In English       (14.07k)  
en español     (16.32k)  

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Periodical Publications

Epidemiological Alerts Archives, 2003–2008
(Note: Series renamed, formerly EID Updates: Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Region of the Americas.)
The purpose of these alerts is to disseminate information on the latest public-health events that have been identified as risks to health, trade, and/or international travel. Most of these events are primarily due to infectious agents, while others are due to chemical or physical agents. The PAHO Epidemiological Alerts published at the regional level (for the Americas) complement the WHO Disease Outbreak News published at the global level. The latest issues can be found at the new site, 2009 onwards.(3/Apr/2009)
In English       (36.2k)  
en español     (40.91k)  

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Technical Documents

The Global Influenza Surveillance Network
Every year more than 250 million doses of influenza vaccine are produced that help to protect the world's population against influenza infections. For over 50 years the process by which an effective vaccine is developed and manufactured has relied on the international cooperation of a wide range of public health partners brought together under the coordination of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Global Influenza Surveillance Network. This fact sheet provides more details.(31/Oct/2008)
In English       (305.94k)  
en español     (295.13k)  
en Français      

Infection Control Strategies for Specific Procedures in Health-Care Facilities: Epidemic-prone and pandemic-prone acute respiratory diseases, A Quick Reference Guide
This document is addressed to infection control professionals, occupational health specialists and other professionals involved in patient care in health-care facilities. It is designed to provide quick reference guidance on infection prevention and control to help prevent the transmission of acute infectious respiratory diseases during health care.(20/Oct/2008)
In English       (237.06k)  
en español     (158.05k)  

Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Resistance to Oseltamivir--2008 Influenza Season, Southern Hemisphere
During weeks 26–27 (15-28 June), the level of overall influenza activity in the world increased reflecting the situation in southern hemisphere. However, influenza A (H1N1)virus circulation remains generally low in all countries reporting influenza activity at this time. WHO has received several reports from National Influenza Centres in the southern hemisphere regarding influenza A (H1N1)virus resistance to oseltamivir. This documents provides a summary plus summary data tables.(18/Jul/2008)
In English       WHO  
en español     (118.61k)