Brussels, 25/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 25 January, the European Parliament environment, public health and food safety committee (ENVI) adopted a report by Michèle Rivasi (Greens/EFA, France) on the management of the outbreak of H1N1 influenza in 2009-2010 (58 votes to two, with one abstention). The plenary session vote will be held in March.
The committee is calling for systematic improvement in cooperation and coordination between the member states and the European institutions so that, in future, a more coherent and effective response may be delivered in the event of a risk of a pandemic. They also call for clarification of the roles of the European health risk management bodies to prevent any mixed messages. The report adopted by the committee recommends also: - a new definition by the World Health Organisation of its criteria to invoke a global pandemic alert, taking into account not only the geographical spread of the disease, but also its virulence; - an evaluation of the strategies on vaccinations and communication put in place by member states in order to restore public confidence; - the setting up of a mechanism for the joint purchasing of vaccinations by the member states to avoid any disparities; - publication of the names of all the experts who advise the European health authorities so as to avoid any conflicts of interest; - increased vigilance and complete transparency in evaluating medical products recommended in the event of a medical and pandemic urgency. On 9 February, the EPP Group will hold a public hearing at the European Parliament to discuss the lessons to be drawn from the on H1N1 influenza pandemic in order to improve cooperation between member states. (L.C./transl.rt)