H1N1 FLU : ENVI SEEKS LESSONS FROM 2009-2010 CRISIS.

The European Parliament's Committee on Environment and Public Health (ENVI) has urged the European Union to collect as much information as possible on management of the H1N1 flu crisis in 2009 and to remedy the weaknesses identified. With its adoption, on 25 January, of a report by Michele Rivasi (Greens-EFA, France), the committee concluded that national and international health authorities sometimes responded "disproportionately" to the flu pandemic.

TRANSPARENCY

"France regrets 220 deaths and 3,000 cases of various adverse effects, whereas Poland, which refused to organise a vaccination campaign, had 120 deaths and no adverse effects. My report aims to obtain precise explanations on the choices that led to the organisation of such operations considering the low risk-benefit ratio," Rivasi commented upon drafting her resolution. To secure transparency on management of the 2009-2010 pandemic, MEPs called on member states to forward to the Commission information on vaccines and anti-viral drugs (number of doses bought, used and sold as well as costs) and on infections (number of infections, number of deaths and nature of adverse effects of vaccination). In parallel, they voiced support for an evaluation of vaccination strategies based on the effectiveness of vaccines, their cost effectiveness and the target groups vaccinated. Committee members also called for clarification of the roles of key actors and management structures at EU level and adjustment if need be.

INDEPENDENCE...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT