The Role of the World Health Organization in the Study of Influenza

The World Health Organization (W.H.O.), since its inception in 1947, has given close attention to influenza. In its early years W.H.O. laid the foundations of its present network of over 100 national influenza centres and collaborating laboratories which today constitute the backbone of its influenza activities. The activities of the network include the isolation and characterization of influenza strains and the early notification of any changes in surface antigens, the preparation of reference reagents, standardization of diagnostic procedures, formulation of requirements for vaccines, training, and collaboration in research. The efficacy of the network has been proved in the 1957, 1968 and 1977 epidemics. Collaborative research organized by W.H.O. has made important contributions to our understanding of the epidemiology of influenza, including the possible role of lower animals as the origin of some pandemic strains. The latter subject is briefly discussed.