9 October 2016, Cairo – The first thematic issue of the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal (EMHJ) on influenza and respiratory infections in the Region is accessible now on the EMHJ website and in print. Produced under the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) initiative of the infectious hazard management programme, the issue includes latest research from the Region on influenza, Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) and similar areas. The issue was prepared after a rigorous process involving peer review and supervision by 4 eminent guest editors.
Influenza is a neglected public health problem in the Region. Amid other pressing health needs, the significance and the persistent threat posed by influenza and novel respiratory pathogens cannot be ignored. As a result of PIP, a global initiative to strengthen global capacities for pandemic preparedness and health security, influenza is regaining attention and political commitment is increasing. This special issue of the Journal presents evidence on disease burden, discusses public health preparedness, captures response on MERS and the H1N1 pandemic and highlights emerging themes such as respiratory syncytial virus (or RSV) and resistance to antivirals.
The EMHJ issue is reflection of a multi-pronged approach towards implementation of WHO public health research agenda for influenza by PIP. Since the beginning of PIP in 2014 in the Region, efforts have been undertaken to build national capacity to conduct research and publish, use innovative and traditional methods to calculate burden of disease and collect evidence by promoting research studies and highlighting regional research at global forums.
For details and to request for copies of the special issue, please contact Cette adresse email est protégée contre les robots des spammeurs, vous devez activer Javascript pour la voir. .
