Pandemic preparedness: different perspectives. How ready are we for the next pandemic?

Europe is not ready for the next pandemic. Nonetheless, several positive developments are cause for optimism. The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) was founded in May 2005 and has explicitly identified influenza as one of its top four priorities. Europe is also taking steps to streamline the regulatory approval of new vaccines during a pandemic. Europe can learn much from Canada. The Canadian public health authorities have focused on developing the infrastructure, procedures and acceptance for vaccination against the annual influenza epidemics as a means of strengthening pandemic preparedness. The Canadians are also stockpiling antiviral drugs. These drugs are an excellent way to bridge the gap between the appearance of a pandemic virus and the development of an effective vaccine against it. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is driving change on a global level and will table a pandemic preparedness plan at the next World Health Assembly. Preparing now, during the interpandemic period, is the best way to prepare for a pandemic.