WHO released “Summary report of a High-Level Consultation: new influenza A (H1N1) Geneva, 18 May 2009.” Below is full text of a portion of the document:

“CONCLUDING THEMES

The overriding objective is to mitigate the adverse impact of the new influenza A (H1N1) on the health of people and populations.

Facilitating a global response

27. Member States agree to work with the Secretariat to assure ongoing, rapid dissemination of epidemiological information and technical guidance based on scientific evidence concerning the current situation. Monitoring and tracking the global spread and impact of the new influenza A (H1N1) virus is being strengthened. This will support better understanding of the virus’s epidemiology, its virological characteristics, diagnosis, clinical management, outbreak control and strategies, etc.

28. Through its convening power, the Secretariat will continue to facilitate a multilateral and multisectoral response and maximize collaboration between partners.

29. In addition it is providing ongoing technical assistance to countries for epidemic preparedness and response, with a focus on the most vulnerable countries.

Ensuring equity in access to medicines and vaccines

30. Given the potential impact of pandemic influenza on populations in low-income countries, where other medical conditions are widespread, concern remains about access to antiviral medicines and vaccines.

31. The Secretariat has dispatched antiviral medicines from its emergency stockpile to 72 countries so as to accelerate their availability where they are most needed.

32. WHO collaborating centres are developing seed stocks of virus for vaccine production. Close links are being maintained with the pharmaceutical industry and potential financiers to ensure an adequate global manufacturing capacity, and funding for production and distribution of new influenza A (H1N1) vaccine and other relevant medicines.

Building public health capacity

33. Building institutional and technical capacity in low-income countries, especially in laboratory services, is needed if the world is to mount an effective response. Securing finance for building this capacity – as a key element of health systems strengthening – will be essential.

Moving from Phase 5 to Phase 6

34. The current process is based purely on geographical spread and not on severity of disease. Several Member States spoke in favour of giving the Director-General greater flexibility in the progression between different phases.

http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/swineflu/High_Level_Consultation_18_May_2009.pdf