This risk assessment for Africa, published last year, covers influenza outbreaks in poultry and their significance for human health, human cases of H5N1, vaccine research and development, the role of antivirals during a pandemic, World Health Organization (WHO) support for pandemic preparedness in Africa, and recommended priority actions for African nations. The priority actions are fourfold. First, that African nations collaborate with one another, forming close links between various health sectors. Second, that existing coordinating bodies expand their role to include pandemic influenza. Third, that the surveillance and response systems are improved with the support of the WHO Regional Office. Fourth, that mechanisms be put in place to communicate messages to the public and media.

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