Rohit Shishodia
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new influenza strategy to counter the increasing influenza related diseases across the world. The new strategy is a 12-year (2019-30) plan that includes prevention and control of influenza transmitted from animals to humans, and preparation for the next influenza pandemic.

The new strategy takes up two goals, including building stronger country capacities for disease surveillance and response. To implement this goal, the WHO has directed every nation to have a tailored influenza program that contributes to national and global preparedness and health security.

The second goal involves development of better tools to prevent, detect, control and treat influenza such as more effective vaccines, antivirals and treatments with the aim to make these accessible for all countries.

The UN agency informs that each year around 290000 to 650000 people die of influenza-related respiratory deaths. Influenza-related respiratory diseases affect one billion people, of which three to five million are severe cases.

The WHO has recommended administration of influenza vaccines, which, it says, is the most effective way to prevent influenza. It is important for people with high risks and for healthcare workers.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, DG, WHO, has said that with world is still not prepared or enough prepared to tackle the next big outbreak of influenza related diseases. He added that this new strategy aims to address that point and it is all about preparing health systems to manage shocks, that can only happen when health systems are strong and healthy themselves.