"Are decisions on pandemics taken on the best scientific evidence only?" was the question asked at a January public hearing of PACE's Committee on Social, Health and Family Affairs which looked into the handling of the H1N1 pandemic. The World Health Organisation's flu chief defended his organisation, saying its advice was not improperly influenced by the pharmaceutical industry.
The committee now intends to hold a second public hearing in Paris, with the participation of government officials who dealt with the pandemic.
Rapporteur Paul Flynn (United Kingdom, SOC) is also due to visit the WHO’s headquarters in Geneva. His report should be available at the end of April, for a possible plenary debate in June. In his blog we gives his opinion in
Statements on the first session about te swine flu pandemic held by PACE
- Extracts of statements by main speakers
- Statement by Dr. Wolfgang Wodarg (PDF)
- Statement by Dr. Keiji Fukuda, World Health Organisation (PDF)
- Statement by Dr. Luc Hessel, European Vaccine Manufacturers (PDF)
- Statement by Prof. Dr. Ulrich Keil
- Biographies of participants (PDF)
- Video of the hearing
- Motion by Mr. Wodarg and others (PDF)
- Announcement of the hearing