The World Health Organisation today declared the swine flu outbreak was a pandemic, the first in more than 40 years.
The long-awaited announcement to its member countries was scientific confirmation that a new flu virus has emerged and is quickly circling the globe.
It will trigger drug companies to speed up production of a vaccine and prompt governments to devote more money to containing the virus.
Last month several countries urged WHO not to declare a pandemic, its highest alert level and essentially raising the outbreak's status to a worldwide epidemic, fearing it would spark mass panic.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel