As of 17 January 2010, worldwide more than 209 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 14142 deaths. The most intense transmission of pandemic influenza virus continues to occur in North Africa, South Asia, and in limited areas of Eastern Europe .

As of 20 January, over 16,000 cases have been confirmed in Sub Saharan Africa, among which at least 650 were diagnosed in Kenya . No death has been reported in Kenya to date. Influenza viruses, out of which H1N1 is the dominant virus, are currently in circulation although at apparent low transmission levels.

The overall pandemic influenza activity in the temperate northern hemisphere peaked between late October and late November 2009 and has continued to decline since. Despite media reports concluding on the pandemic end, WHO consider that the pandemic is not over especially prior to the next cold season in the Southern Hemisphere. Attached is the transcript of a virtual WHO press conference that aimed at clarifying the positions taken by WHO so far and to address the misconceptions that are currently spreading throughout the media on H1N1.

WHO continues to recommended H1N1 vaccination as the best preventive measure should further pandemic wave occur. T he UN Deputy Secretary General established a Working Group on Pandemic Vaccines, tasked to develop guidance and provide recommendations on how UN staff might gain access to these vaccines.

During the first week of January, the UN Medical Directors undertook a UN wide consolidated procurement of vaccines through UNICEF for duty stations which host government cannot provide the services. The UN is committed to ensuring that its staff has access to the pandemic (H1N1) vaccine, particularly for those with underlying medical conditions which could increase the risk for severe illness. The first shipments are expected to be delivered before the end of first quarter 2010.

The recommendations to staff and treatment guidelines available on this site remain into effect.

The Influenza Hotline ( 762 12 12 ) is also activated during working hours for staff members to call in for more information or advice.

WHO statement 24 February 2010

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