International Influenza Networks Meeting

For the first time ever, influenza networks from across the globe working in the areas of human and animal surveillance, clinical research, laboratory capacity strengthening, advocacy and scientific platforms came together on 14–16 January 2013 for an international influenza networks meeting organized by the United States Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The goals of the meeting were to:

• gain a better overview of key influenza-focused networks;
• discuss ways to better integrate and share information;
• leverage resources and create synergies across networks to enhance global capacity building, preparedness and response.

Among the networks represented was the Influenza surveillance network of the WHO European Region (EuroFlu).

The meeting concluded that the diversity of networks represented provides good global coverage in the field of influenza, with more countries conducting surveillance and improvements in laboratory quality as a result of pandemic preparedness.

Routine surveillance of severe disease is being developed along with studies to better understand the burden of disease. The networks represented constitute significant capacities, training resources and expertise in data generated and in communication and advocacy capacity.

Optimizing use of existing capacities

The primary focus of the meeting was on promoting better use and visibility of the capacities and outputs of the existing networks. This could be done by:

• developing collective goals and a mission that support WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE);
• more effective linking of network products by establishing a single web portal for international influenza networks;
• combining resources to increase efficiency and be more sustainable, for example through better coordination of capacity-building activities;
• better presentation and organization of information and more rapid translation of scientific information for use by policy-makers, especially data on burden and cost–effectiveness of interventions at the national level.

Best practice working group

In addition, participants suggested establishing a working group to identify examples of good practice for collaboration among clinicians, laboratories and the animal/human interface. For example:

• Stakeholder platforms in countries can be used to advocate for strengthening influenza prevention and control programmes.
• The GISRS model of WHO-recognized National Influenza Centres for human health may be used as a model for establishing an international network of National Animal Influenza Centres.
• Food safety and health security may be a unifying factor at the animal/human interface.
• Research should be promoted, for example the new WHO initiative BRaVe, Battle against Respiratory Viruses, as well as research to develop a more universal influenza vaccine.

For more information, please contact euinfluenza@who.int