# 3750
The WHO (World Health Organization) has had a bad habit of going with `best case’ vaccine production scenarios in their press releases in the past – even before the novel H1N1 virus appeared.
I’ve questioned the wisdom of doing so a number of times in the past (including Unforgiving Numbers and The Plan And The Challenge - Pt 1 and WHO: Vaccine Production Projections Increase). Even when you label a projection a `best-case’ scenario, most people will come to expect that result.
Today, without telling us how badly that global vaccine manufacturing would miss the mark, WHO spokesperson Gregory Hartl announced that global production would be `substantially less’ than was originally suggested.
Swine flu vaccines to fall short: WHO
Last Updated: Friday, September 18, 2009 | 7:35 AM ET
Global production of vaccines to protect against swine flu will be "substantially less" than the previous maximum forecast of 94 million doses a week, the World Health Organization said Friday in Geneva.
That means the number of doses produced on an annual basis will fall short of the 4.9 billion doses the WHO previously hoped could be available, said spokesman Gregory Hartl.
Lower production levels stem from production problems, as well as the fact that some manufacturers are still turning out vaccines for seasonal flu, he said.
The WHO also has this press statement regarding the decision of developed nations – including the US and the UK – to donate 10% of their pandemic vaccine to undeveloped nations.
Pandemic vaccine donations for the developing world
WHO applauds and welcomes the announcement of donations of pandemic vaccine made today by the United States of America, in concert with Australia, Brazil, France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
The announcement demonstrates the commitment of these countries to fairness in sharing of scarce resources as the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic continues to evolve.
Current supplies of pandemic vaccine are inadequate for a world population in which virtually everyone is susceptible to infection by a new and readily contagious virus.
Given that current demand outstrips supply, these donations, together with the doses pledged by manufacturers, will help increase supplies of pandemic vaccines to populations that would otherwise not have access.
WHO continues to support developing countries to ensure donated vaccines are distributed where they are most needed.
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