Making preparation count: lessons from the avian influenza outbreak in Turkey

2006, vii + 47 pages
ISBN 92 890 1386 9
CHF 18.00
In developing countries: CHF 12.60
Order no. 13400062

In January 2006, WHO responded to an outbreak of human cases of avian influenza in Turkey by deploying a WHO-led, multipartner mission on the request of the Turkish Government. This booklet describes the outbreak and the national and international response. Drawing on interviews with some of the key health workers and major agencies involved - the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), as well as WHO - the booklet points out practical lessons that national and international public health agencies and policy-makers can use to respond effectively to future outbreaks and a possible avian influenza pandemic.