UNSIC warns of gaps in flu readiness

Although most countries surveyed by the UN System Influenza Coordinator, David Nabarro, are making progress in controlling avian influenza, many Asia-Pacific nations are lagging in terms of coping with the economic and social consequences of a human pandemic. Speaking to the UN's IRIN news network, Dr Nabarro said: "in general, the situation is that countries are getting much more on top of the bird flu. I'm impressed with progress, but I am saying a lot more needs to be done, particularly on multi-sectoral pandemic preparedness."