Overview
Influenza – a global public health problem
Influenza is an important cause of global morbidity and mortality, resulting in an estimated 3–5 million cases of severe influenza illness and 290 000–650 000 deaths annually. To address influenza as a public health issue, the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) provides a framework for:
(1) Collaboration between National Influenza Centres (NIC) within Member States (MS), WHO Collaborating Centres (WHO CC) , and relevant partners.
(2) Monitoring influenza activity; and
(3) Supporting countries to develop prevention and control strategies for seasonal and pandemic