President Announces Plan to Expand Fight Against Global H1N1 Pandemic
Today, President Obama announced the United States will continue to act aggressively to stop the global spread of the pandemic 2009-H1N1 influenza virus and is prepared to make 10 percent of its H1N1 vaccine supply available to other countries through the World Health Organization (WHO). In recognition that diseases know no borders and that the health of the American people is inseparable from the health of people around the world, the United States is taking this action in concert with Australia, Brazil, France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The United States will make the H1N1 vaccine available to the WHO on a rolling basis as vaccine supplies become available, in order to assist countries that will not otherwise have direct access to the vaccine.
Read morePress Briefing with HHS Secy. Sebelius and CDC Besser
SECRETARY SEBELIUS: Good morning, everyone. I’m pleased to be here this morning at my first opportunity to meet here at the World Health Assembly as a representative of the United States of America. I’m now four weeks into my new position as Secretary of Health and Human Services and am delighted to have the chance to have an introduction to our world partners and see in person Dr. Margaret Chan who’s been not only been a great leader for WHO but a frequent collaborator during my early weeks on the job.
Read moreWorld Health Assembly Plenary Session Remarks By Kathleen G. Sebelius
It is my honor to represent the United States of America and address the World Health Assembly and I want you to know that the United States is here to work with you and we are here to listen.
President Obama and I know that this is a unique moment in our history, a moment where we must unite to improve the health of all our nations. We are committed to partnering with you to advance the cause of social justice, to expand access to health care and reduce health disparities. And we know that working together, we can achieve the goals that we all share.
Statement by Trade Ministers of the United States, Canada and Mexico
United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Canadian Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway Stockwell Day, and Mexican Secretary of the Economy Gerardo Ruiz Mateos today issued the following statement calling for an end to unscientific bans on pork imports from their respective countries due to the fears of the H1N1 flu virus, noting the large and negative economic impact of such bans. More than a dozen countries worldwide have sought to ban pork imports from H1N1-affected nations:
Read moreVisit of Dr. Esther Brimmer to Geneva May 4-5, 2009
On May 4-5, Dr. Esther Brimmer will make her first visit to Geneva since assuming her position as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations. During her visit, Dr. Brimmer will meet with Geneva-based United Nations agencies and International Organizations, as well as diplomatic counterparts and staff of the U.S. Mission.
Read moreH1N1 – "Swine Flu" – CDC Updates Page
The United States Government has declared a public health emergency in the United States. CDC’s response goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency. CDC is issuing and updating interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation.
For more information visit the CDC webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
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