“Swine flu” was the name originally given to a new strain of the flu that first appeared in Mexico in the Spring of 2009, but is now more accurately described as H1N1 flu, because it is now understood that the H1N1 virus is a mix of swine, human, and avian strains of the flu virus.

It has spread to the United States and around the world and there is a risk that it will develop into a world wide pandemic.  However, over the last several years the ability of the world community to respond to a pandemic has greatly increased, because of concern about the possibility of an avian flu epidemic.  A focused partnership with the range of United Nations agencies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and a coalition of non-governmental organizations, has significantly improved in 30 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Whereas coordinated efforts to respond to disasters usually begin only after the disaster has occurred, the concerns of a global pandemic caused by the avian influenza virus created an unprecedented opportunity to develop the planning and coordination for a pandemic in advance of the event. Because of this work, developing countries’ ability to respond to a pandemic, while still far from perfect, will be both better and faster than what would otherwise have been possible.

So, while the current situation regarding the possible spread of H1N1 flu into a worldwide pandemic is of a concern, it is important to note that due to the work over the last three years, pandemic preparedness measures are in place at the international level to help control the spread of H1N1 and hopefully limit the loss of life from the disease.