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“Experts are adamant, the world has never been better prepared for a flu pandemic.
“History tells us that there are global epidemics every 30 to 50 years.
“And with the last one happening in the late 1960s, governments across the world have been on alert for the past decade.
“That moment could now be here with the World Health Organization describing the outbreak of swine flu as a major concern.
“Governments across the world have been revising and making new plans since the re-emergence of bird flu six years ago in south east Asia.
“Nearly 150 countries are now known to have drawn up contingency plans covering everything from the response of health services to travel restrictions and international co-operation.”
Which Countries Are Doing Best Job?
“The WHO has praised the UK – along with France – for being the best prepared.
“More than 30m courses of anti-viral drugs have been bought – enough to treat half the population.
“The drug is not a vaccine, but can lessen the symptoms and minimise spread of the virus.
“The UK has also signed a deal with manufacturers to be one of the first in line for a vaccine – this can only be developed once scientists know what strain is behind a pandemic.”
Other experts were quoted as saying having plans in place was not the same as using them.
They also cautioned that developed nations have the advantages in preparation.
Source: BBC News, Swine Flu Outbreak (Continuing Coverage). Updated as of July 3, 2009
