Monitoring the risk of future influenza pandemics

Another influenza pandemic is inevitable. While there is no current evidence that the avian influenza viruses have acquired the ability to spread among humans, there is concern over the potential of the viruses to evolve, causing sustained human-to-human transmission.  Therefore, the world must remain vigilant to the potential threats to our global health security. WHO, together with our technical partners across the world, closely monitors global influenza activity and assesses the associated pandemic risks.

Over the last few years, China has strengthened its capacity in detecting and responding to outbreaks and other public health emergencies. This has built a strong foundation to the national, and global, capacity in combating potential threats. The WHO China office works closely with China’s National Health Commission, to ensure effective communication crucial to the timely detection, assessment and response to public health risks and events under WHO’s International Health Regulations.