The H5N1 ’flu virus: Indonesia opens the door again

[2 March 2007 - 10h30]
[mis à jour le 2 March 2007 à 14h01]

Indonesia appears prepared once again to share its ’flu virus samples with the WHO, which, in return, has agreed to provide Jakarta with its own local vaccine production facility. An agreement that brings to an end 2 months of subdued crisis.

Since the start of 2007, Indonesia had been refusing to send colonies of the H5N1 virus found within its borders to the WHO reference laboratories. Why? Because these laboratories for their part refused to publish the genomes decrypted, citing “the researchers’ intellectual property rights”. An epidemiological surveillance system that had run smoothly for 50 years was suddenly under threat…

It is these viral colonies collected on site that enable the WHO reference centres to determine the composition of vaccines to combat seasonal ’flu. Vaccines that are then purchased – at high prices – by various countries. But the threat posed by the H5N1 virus put an end to all this.

Developing countries, which are on the front line in the event of a possible pandemic, decided to put on the pressure. Indonesia in particular, which, in January, decided to shut the door on its viruses. In return for sharing its virus samples, the country demanded a share in the results, in the form of access to quality vaccines “at affordable prices”. A vital necessity for states like these that lack their own vaccine production facilities.

Theoretically, it’s now a done deal. Although the declaration concerning “long-term” technology transfer made by the WHO on 16 February is very vague and diplomatic. In the short term it appears that Indonesia will be able to continue to buy its vaccines from the laboratories…

This outcome follows a meeting between Dr David Heymann, Director of the WHO Infectious Diseases Department and Indonesian Health Minister Siti Fadillah Supari, held on 16 February. At the meeting it was announced that “the exchange (of ’flu viruses) will recommence”. Because this is “necessary to ensure world safety in terms of public health”. And with good reason. With 81 cases in humans – of which 63 have proved fatal – confirmed by the WHO on 29 January this year, Indonesia is well and truly under the scourge of the H5N1 virus. Indonesian avian ’flu virus samples are therefore vital. And it’s up to the rich countries of the world to pay the price for what they need…

Source : WHO, 16 February 2007, 26 February 2007

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