United Nations Radio

The United Nations estimates that up to a billion dollars will be required over the next six months to fight the AH1N1 flu pandemic. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon says although the number of deaths as a result of the pandemic has been minimal, its impact on global public health should not be taken for granted. From Geneva Patrick Maigua sent us this report.

influenza researcher

According to the World Health Organization over 94,500 cases of the AH1N1 influenza virus have been reported globally. The number of deaths as a result of the flu virus currently stands at 429. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon says developing countries were particularly vulnerable to the pandemic, adding that adequate funding must be made available to ensure they have adequate access to medicines, vaccines and other response measures.

"The funding has not been flowing as we have been expecting. When I had the meeting with CEO of pharmaceutical companies in May they were committed to manufacture and provide vaccines. First vaccines may be available during the month of August so that is fine, but we need to get more resources available. We must remain vigilant and we must ensure all are protected regardless of where they live or how wealthy they are. Human decency and global solidarity demand that we pull together for the poorest and most vulnerable among us."

The Secretary General was due to meet with representatives of major donor agencies and the World Health Organization in Geneva Monday to reiterate the need for adequate funding to combat the spread of the virus. Mr Ban said the AH1N1 pandemic was a global crisis, which needed a global response through global partnership and solidarity. Patrick Maigua, UN Radio, Geneva.

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