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Influenza A(H5N1)

Information about Avian Flu

  • Influenza A(H5N1) Cases
Affected Countries:
Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Laos, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, Viet Nam
Avian flu is already a serious global concern and the international community is responding in a committed fashion. The UN system is playing a lead role in coordinating responses, with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in pivotal roles. The UN Secretary General has appointed a Special Coordinator, David Nabarro to lead the overall effort.

The impact on tourism to date is low. What is clear is that the disease has a capacity to expand in its present form and to transform into an even more virulent strain that could be transmitted between humans. Thus its potential impact on the world at large and on the tourism sector could be significant.

Governments and the International community are preparing for the possibility of a pandemic and collaborating amongst themselves. They are developing national preparatory plans within the overall global response framework.

UNWTO is playing its part - working within the UN family; through its Members and with Industry bodies to help respond to the evolving situation. The Secretary General has appointed his Special Advisor Geoffrey Lipman to spearhead the preparedness effort.