# 1291
Despite yesterday's glimmer of hope, reported by Effect Measure, on the outcome of the talks in Geneva over virus sharing, Health Minister Siti Supari continued her war of words with the WHO upon her return to Indonesia.
None of this means that no progress was made in Geneva, it may simply mean it hasn't borne fruit yet. Supari, who's comments have become increasingly inflammatory in recent months (mostly carried in the Indonesian press), may be simply posturing for her base of support in Indonesia.
Indonesia's health minister says 'no' to sharing bird flu virus with WHO
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- Indonesia's health minister reiterated Sunday that she would not send bird flu specimens to the World Health Organization, saying poor nations needed assurances that any pandemic vaccines developed from the virus would be affordable.
Siti Fadilah Supari made the comments on her return from Geneva, where the WHO held an intergovernmental conference aimed at rebuilding a global system for sharing flu viruses following a months-long standoff with Indonesia.
"The meeting failed to come up with a material of transfer agreement," she told reporters in the city of Bandung. "So we have no obligation to send bird flu virus samples to the World Health Organization."
Effect Measure has been reporting in depth on this meeting, and has posted a wrap up this morning. It is well worth reading, as it delves into the background issues in far greater detail than these superficial press accounts.
Short term, the impasse may remain. Long term, perhaps some progress has been made towards a deal.
Time will tell.
Related Post:
Widget by [ Iptek-4u ]