Road Town, Tortola - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has challenged allegations of “conflict of interest and fake pandemic” in connection with its 2009 classification of the H1N1 Influenza A virus as a worldwide pandemic.

In an internationally circulated statement, which was communicated to the Virgin Islands via the  Ministry of Health and Social Development, the WHO said its influenza pandemic policies and response were not improperly influenced by the pharmaceutical industry. “Providing independent advice to member states is a very important function. We take this work seriously and guard against the influence of any improper interests,” it noted.

The WHO also confirmed that many safeguards are in place to manage conflicts of interest, or perceived conflicts of interest, among its advisory groups and expert communities. In addition, the statement noted that WHO expert advisers are required to provide a signed declaration of interests detailing any professional or financial interest that could affect the impartiality of their advice.

“Allegations that WHO created a ‘fake’ pandemic to bring economic benefit to industry are scientifically wrong and historically incorrect. The world is going through a real pandemic. The description of it as a fake is wrong and irresponsible,” noted the WHO statement, which was published in several languages.

The Organisation also verified that its decision to declare a pandemic was influenced by actualities, including the fact that lab analyses showed that H1N1 was genetically and antigenetically very different from other influenza viruses circulating among humans; along with epidemiological information from Mexico, the United States and Canada that demonstrated person-to-person transmission.

The WHO said the geographical spread of the virus was exceptionally rapid as was shown from the fact that between April 29 and July 1, 2009 confirmed cases of the virus increased from nine countries to 120 countries.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potter told the Department of Information and Public Relations that people in the Territory have responded favourably to the local messages related to the H1N1 virus. Dr. Potter also reiterated his earlier appeals for everyone in the Virgin Islands to take the H1N1 pandemic seriously and to comply with local authorities.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Territory.