Health Infectious Disease Containment We, the G8 Ministers of Health, suggest the following definition of a pandemic. A pandemic is a new illness or medical condition, irrespective of original source that presents or could present virulence and significant harm to humans. The virus spreads to more than one country; the mortality rate could be high. All the conditions are alternative, which means if any one of them are met the outbreak will be defined as a pandemic.
Emergency Response Preparedness
The G8 countries strongly urge each national government to implement an emergency response strategy for outbreak preparedness. This strategy must be uniquely responsive to the political, social and environmental differences within each country. It should involve input from multiple stakeholders including civil society, health professionals, government and the private sector where possible.
Data Collection, Tracking and Surveillance
We affirm the WHO International Health Regulations (2005) that encourage national implementation of data collection, tracking and surveillance measures that respond uniquely to the challenges of each state. Infrastructural gaps in collecting data will be dealt with by supplemental expertise from the G8, whereas communication gaps in transmitting pertinent epidemiological information during an outbreak can be improved through logistical support.
Responsible Media Reporting
Media sensationalism can often distort and increase risk of social and material damage to the citizens of a country in which liberal media exist or informal channels of communication are used such as text messages and blogs. We strongly support collaborative efforts between the government and independent formal media channels to develop safe and effective ways of rapidly communicating accurate information to the public during an outbreak.
Web-Based Information Network for Health Professionals
We propose the creation of a web-based information network to be accessed by health professionals during an outbreak. It will be monitored by the WHO and used to transmit information about symptoms to aid health professionals in taking precautionary measures.
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Civil Society Engagement