Report on influenza virus sharing

Overview

In recent years, there has been an increasing number of challenges associated with the sharing of both seasonal influenza viruses and influenza viruses with human pandemic potential under GISRS. In response to the request from the Health Assembly, WHO has gathered data from GISRS and non-GISRS laboratories to enable a deeper understanding of the challenges, opportunities and implications for public health associated with virus sharing. This process included identifying specific instances where influenza virus sharing had been hindered and seeking ideas on how to mitigate delays in virus sharing.

Four questionnaires were distributed to obtain information on virus sharing experiences from different types of GISRS and non-GISRS laboratories. Input was requested on experiences from 2014 onwards, including challenges, concerning the sharing of: (1) seasonal influenza viruses and associated candidate vaccine viruses; and (2) influenza viruses with human pandemic potential and associated candidate vaccine viruses. The questionnaires asked for input on: (1) specific instances where virus sharing had been hindered; (2) reasons for the delay; and (3) possible solutions, and the public health opportunities and implications. Questionnaires were distributed to: (1) GISRS National Influenza Centres and Other Authorized Laboratories that share viruses with WHO Collaborating Centres; (2) GISRS WHO Collaborating Centres and Essential Regulatory Laboratories; (3) non-GISRS industry laboratories; (4) non-GISRS academic and public/private institutions that had received influenza viruses with human pandemic potential under a PIP Framework Standard Material Transfer Agreement 2.