SciDev.Net

International surveillance systems are needed to curb the rise of antibiotic resistance.

The media must be involved in African preparations for a possible bird flu outbreak.

Journalists in China — as elsewhere — have an important function to play in reporting on how science and technology affects people's lives.

The research community's failure in the past 25 years to develop either a vaccine or a cure for HIV/AIDS underlines the need to be more, not less, scientific.

Developing countries need to recognise the long-term benefits of creating the capacity to research and develop flu vaccines.

The only way for Africa to combat bird flu successfully is through an effective communication strategy that enables the public to prepare both for outbreaks in their poultry stocks and for a possible human pandemic.

Although research on malaria needs greater support, the fight against the disease will not be won in the laboratory but with tools in the field, many of which already exist. Improved techniques are needed to communicate this reality to decision-makers.

As prospects grow of a global flu pandemic, it is important for governments to recognise that responsible science journalism can play a significant role in limiting its impact.

There are few clearer examples of the need to combine high-tech solutions to development issues with the reality of problems as experienced and perceived on the ground than the challenge of designing an international strategy to combat malaria.

Disappointing results of clinical trials of a promising pair of new AIDS vaccines have highlighted the dilemmas faced by those determining strategy in this field. Fortunately, reactions on all sides indicate a willingness to use science as the principal basis of their decisions.

Scientific advances since the major flu pandemics of the 20th century mean that, in principle, the world is better equipped to prevent bird flu from having the same consequences. But obstacles still exist, and greater transparency must be the order of the day.

New research shows that treating HIV/AIDS patients need not be as expensive as feared. But that result must not fuel complacency about the disease; rather it should encourage more grass-roots engagement.

Fears that the US government may place excessively heavy restrictions on those working with the SARS virus highlight the need to ensure that concerns about the potential misuse of biological organisms are not allowed to impede important research.

Julie Clayton argues that the successful strategy behind promising results now emerging from research into microbicides as a way of controlling HIV infection has important implications for other fields of biomedical research.

Spending on HIV/AIDS has become a litmus test of the depth of international commitment to helping the developing world — and of the spirit of generosity in which is offered.

The SARS epidemic has underlined the importance of open and accurate reporting on health issues — as well as the responsibility of governments to allow this to take place.