Possible points for and against no more can be done, nationally and internationally, to control pandemics.
• More can be done, particularly in developing countries, re: animal hygiene (the cause of recent pandemics).
• Pandemic preparedness has made good progress in recent years thanks to partnerships at regional and global levels which keep early warning communication channels open. Thus authorities in different parts of the world can heed warnings on possible causes for concern.
• Pharmaceutical companies are geared up to finding speedy answers to various viruses, albeit at a considerable cost which may not be affordable to developing countries.
• Efforts at the national level to meet health crises and control pandemics will vary because of awareness, organisation and financial clout and should be closely geared to international monitoring.
