Analysis of Seasonal Influenza and GSD

Please note: This page is an archive and is no longer updated.

Background to Decision WHA70(10)8(b)

In 2016, the PIP Framework was reviewed. The Report of the 2016 PIP Framework Review Group found that “the PIP Framework is a bold and innovative tool for pandemic influenza preparedness, is being well implemented, and that the principle of the PIP Framework of placing virus sharing and benefit sharing on an equal footing remains relevant today.” However, it was noted that “there are key issues that must urgently be addressed for the PIP Framework to remain relevant, including the issue of how [genetic sequence data] should be handled under the PIP Framework, and whether or not the PIP Framework could be expanded to include seasonal influenza.” The Report of the 2016 PIP Framework Review Group was submitted to the 70th World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2017 through the 140th Executive Board.

At WHA 70, Member States requested the Director-General, inter alia: 8(b) “Regarding the PIP Framework Review Group’s recommendations concerning seasonal influenza and genetic sequence data, to conduct a thorough and deliberative analysis of the issues raised, including the implications of pursuing or not pursuing possible approaches, relying on the 2016 PIP Framework Review and the expertise of the PIP Advisory Group, and transparent consultation of Member States and relevant stakeholders, including the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System [GISRS].”

Member States also requested the Director-General to report to the 71st World Health Assembly on progress to implement the decision and to make recommendations on further action.

Implementation of Decision WHA70(10)8(b)

Background to the Analysis

Based on Member States’ request in decision WHA70(10), paragraph 8(b), the Director-General has conducted an Analysis to address two topics:

  • The implications of pursuing or not pursuing possible approaches to seasonal influenza under the PIP Framework; and
  • The implications of pursuing or not pursuing possible approaches to genetic sequence data (GSD) under the PIP Framework.

 

Analysis document

Revised Analysis: Approaches to seasonal influenza and genetic sequence data under the PIP Framework

In Decision WHA70(10)(8)(b), the Seventieth World Health Assembly requested the development of an Analysis on approaches to seasonal influenza and genetic sequence data under the PIP Framework.

A draft Analysis was developed and discussed at a Consultation held at WHO headquarters from 15-16 October 2018. WHO has since revised the Analysis to take into account the discussions at this Consultation, along with other developments. The revised Analysis, below, is being transmitted to the 144th Executive Board (January 2019) for its consideration.

Revised Analysis: Approaches to seasonal influenza and genetic sequence data under the PIP Framework
 

All documents related to development of the Analysis

III. Draft Analysis on seasonal influenza and GSD under the PIP Framework (September 2018)



IV. Scoping Paper and supporting evidence

The Scoping paper is an annotated outline of the Analysis that includes preliminary considerations related to seasonal influenza and GSD in the context of the PIP Framework. The Scoping paper has been developed on the basis of the considerable evidence on seasonal influenza and GSD collected by WHO in the course of implementation of the PIP Framework.

The Scoping paper and compiled evidence tables are available below.

V. Background documents

Rated documents

VI.A. Consultation on Implementation of WHA70(10)(8)(b) (15-16 October 2018)

The Secretariat held a Consultation on Implementation of WHA70(10)(8)(b) from 15-16 October 2018 at WHO headquarters. More information is available at the link below.

VI.B. PIP Framework Information Session (10 April 2018)

The Secretariat held an Information Session on 10 April 2018, including the following topics:

  • Introduction and background to the PIP Framework
  • Presentation of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System by GISRS representatives
  • Preview of the Director-General’s report on progress to implement WHA decision 70(10)
VI.C. Consultation on Implementation of WHA70(10)(8)(b) (6-7 November 2017)

On 6-7 November 2017, a consultation was held at WHO Headquarters in Geneva with Member States, the PIP Advisory Group, GISRS, relevant international organizations, databases and initiatives, and all interested stakeholders. The objective of the consultation was to harvest views on the Scoping paper.

 

Disclaimer

The information and views set out herein are those of the author(s) and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization. Responsibility for the information and views expressed therein lies entirely with the author(s), and neither WHO nor any person acting on its behalf may be held responsible for such information and views or the use which may be made thereof.