WHO refutes claims of swine flu embellishment

The World Health Organisation has found itself in the firing line, at the Council of Europe in Strasborg. It has been called to question, amidst accusations that it embellished on the true facts of the H1N1 crisis, in a bid to boost pharmaceutical sales.

At the time of the hearings, a number of representatives of the WHO refuted claims that the health body had taken the decision to announce that we were in the grip of a full scale pandemic on the basis of advice given to them by spokespeople for the industry, who had been looking to increase sales in search of profit.

The announcement of a pandemic, which consequently led to a massive surge in sales of the vaccine, was made last June. A number of experts believe that a number of deals were struck between certain countries and the pharmaceutical industry, whereby each one would have to make a substantial purchase of the vaccine, the moment the government was to declare a wide scale pandemic. However, according to a number of industry experts, the mortality rates have been relatively low.

The WHO’s senior flu expert refuted the claims, denying that there had been any ‘undue influence’.

Let me state clearly for the record, the influenza pandemic policies and responses recommended and taken by the WHO were not improperly influenced by the pharmaceutical industry”, he told the committee.

He also claims that the WHO had taken advice from a number of educated sources, including those in the private sector. He did also stress that there had systems in place that served to prevent any conflict of interest.

If you feel that you are experiencing any of the symptoms commonly associated with swine flu, seek medical attention.