19/04/2006 (Agence Europe) - According to a study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine published in the Lancet's online edition of 20 April 2006, European countries still have a lot to do improve their level of preparation faced with the threat of a possible human flu pandemic. Based on WHO criteria, this study analyses plans of preparedness in the 25 Member States of the EU, Bulgaria, Romania, Norway and Switzerland. The levels of preparedness were highly different: completeness score of the plans ranged from 24% to 80% according to the country, with the average level of completeness calculated at 54%. Report author Richard Coker explained that, “As yet, Europe is only moderately prepared for the threat of an influenza pandemic. The existing gaps underline the need for increased cooperation between countries in policy, planning and resource distribution. It is vital that the European Union takes action to ensure that such gaps are filled and Europe is adequately prepared across regional, national and international levels”.