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From the New York Times
to the New Scientist and National Geographic, the
world’s media is abuzz with the imminent threat of another
killer flu virus, a pandemic of which could wipe out millions of
people. The editor, Callan Emery, sat in on the WHO Eastern
Mediterranean Regional Committee meeting in Cairo in September
where it was made very clear by WHO’s director general Dr Lee
Jong-wook that governments must make urgent preparations for
another deadly flu pandemic. Failure to heed the warning will
have “catastrophic consequences” the directorgeneral cautioned.
International collaboration is essential, as is the
establishment in each country of an integrated, multisectoral
body to focus on the issue, communicate efficiently within
government and advise the public. Read the editor’s report on
page 20. In this issue’s regional profile, the editor reports from Cairo on the healthcare situation in Egypt and looks at how the country is struggling to cope with the equitable dissemination of healthcare to a burgeoning population. See page 30. The FDA Advisory Committee has recommended the FDA approve Exubera, a novel powdered insulin administered through an inhaler, which if approved will be welcomed by diabetics worldwide. For some this will mean being able to discard forever their odious insulin needles. See page 38. Also in this issue you’ll find interesting and informative articles on Open MRI, the South Asia earthquake as well as an exclusive report from the annual meeting of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Committee. Brian Wilkie wilkiexp@emirates.net.ae |
(Nov-Dec 2005)
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