Geneva, Apr.20 : The World Health Organisation (WHO) will play host to a global meeting of health experts on ways to ensure greater access to to H5N1 and other potential pandemic vaccines.

In recent months, several developing countries have brought to the world’s attention their need to have access to an adequate stock of H5N1 and other pandemic vaccines.

The April 25 meeting is a follow-up to earlier meetings, most recently in Jakarta, Indonesia, and discussions at the Fifty-ninth World Health Assembly in 2006.

The meeting will focus on options for increasing the access of developing countries to potential pandemic vaccines. It will bring together representatives from countries affected by H5N1, plus vaccine manufacturers and donors, to agree on preferred strategies for vaccine production and access.

Potential outcomes include an agreement on mechanisms for access to vaccines, including stockpiling options.

The day-long meeting will be held in the Executive Board Room, World Health Organization Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.

The meeting is open to the media. After the meeting, there will be a media briefing. (ANI)