Regional networks needed for pandemic plan

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- A coalition of experts from disease surveillance and prevention agencies all over the world wants more support for regional pandemic preparedness networks.

The so-called Bellagio declaration, issued Thursday in Bangkok, is signed by 23 practitioners who met in December at the Rockefeller Conference Centre in Bellagio, Italy.

The signatories include officials from health agencies in South Asia, Latin America and Europe.

They note that "capacity, especially human and laboratory capabilities (for detecting and combating potential pandemics) are seriously inadequate in many developing countries," and call for additional support from international agencies and philanthropic foundations.

They also state that "efficient electronic knowledge management and sharing … should be developed and employed to facilitate timely and accurate sharing of surveillance information and best practices."

The group says that future efforts should base themselves on existing regional networks, which should be connected "to facilitate sharing of experiences and best practices and training and to promote the implementation of the International Health Regulations."

In areas where no regional network currently exists, the group calls on international agencies to help set them up, adopting "a flexible approach to governance arrangements … that is appropriate to local political, economic and social conditions."

"No single model will suit all regions," they conclude.