New Delhi, 25th July 2025 – In response to the increasing detection of avian influenza A(H5) cases in humans globally and across the South-East Asia Region, WHO Regional Office for South -East Asia (SEARO) convened a regional webinar to review preparedness mechanisms, strengthen Surveillance pathways, and promote timely reporting of unusual respiratory events.
The virtual webinar brought together more than 50 participants from Ministries of Health, National Influenza Centres (NICs),National Focal Points(NFP) of International Health Regulation (IHR) in WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) , WHO Headquarters, WHO Country Offices in SEAR , and WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) for influenza.
* Dr Nilesh Buddha delivers the opening remarks, highlighting regional risks and the importance of preparedness. (Picture -IHM/WHE/SEARO)
The webinar was inaugurated by Dr Nilesh Buddha, the Regional Emergency Director (RED). Dr Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe, Programme Area Manager for Infectious Hazard Management at WHO SEARO, outlined the core objectives of the webinar. These included reviewing recent human detections of avian influenza A(H5) in SEAR and assessing their public health implications. He emphasized the need for timely reporting non -seasonal influenza events under the International Health Regulations , the strategic importance of virus sharing—especially for un-subtyped and non-seasonal strains—and enhanced coordination between NICs, IHR focal points, and WHO Collaborating Centres.
Global and Technical Perspectives
Dr Aspen Hammond(WHO-HQ) delivered a presentation providing the global overview of recent non-seasonal influenza virus activity, with particular focus on the implications of zoonotic spillovers such as H5N1. She underscored the increasing frequency of detections across multiple WHO regions and highlighted the value of interconnectedness of surveillance systems worldwide. Dr Aspen emphasized the critical role of timely event notification through IHR mechanisms, not just as a legal obligation but as a cornerstone of effective global risk assessment and coordinated response. She explained how early reporting of unusual influenza events allows WHO to rapidly conduct risk evaluations, alert global stakeholders, and guide countries on appropriate preparedness actions.
Professor Ian Barr from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) in Melbourne , Australia presented a detailed analysis of the recent A(H5) virus detections. He described genetic patterns observed in these viruses, including features suggestive of reassortment between different clades; a process that can influence virus evolution and adaptation. While there was no current evidence of mutations associated with increased transmissibility or antiviral resistance, Professor Barr emphasized the importance of continued genetic monitoring to detect any early signs of change.
He also underlined the critical role of timely virus sharing for full characterization with WHO Collaborating Centres, which support both regional preparedness and global risk assessments. The value of depositing sequences on platforms such as the Global initiative on sharing all influenza data (GISAID) was also highlighted as a means to facilitate transparency and scientific collaboration.
** Professor Ian Barr (WHO CC Melbourne) discusses recent H5 detections and underscores the value of timely virus characterization and sequence sharing. (Picture -IHM/WHE/SEARO)
Dr Magdi Samman (WHO- HQ) followed by presenting the logistics, training programmes and funding mechanisms available to support virus sharing. He clarified that the Global Shipping Fund (SF) is designed to facilitate urgent shipments, while the PIP Partnership Contributions (PC), can be used to support additional shipments based on surveillance needs. Together, these mechanisms help ensure that countries can share viruses promptly, supporting the global response.
Dr Masaya Kato, Programme Area Manager for Health Information Management at WHO SEARO delivered a presentation on the critical role of Public Health Intelligence (PHI) in detecting early warning signs of diseases such as avian influenza A(H5). He outlined how WHO systematically monitors signals through event-based surveillance and works with Member States to verify and assess potential risks.
He emphasized the importance of timely IHR event notification which allows countries and WHO to act faster and more effectively. He introduced the use Multi-Source Collaborative Surveillance (MSCS); a system that combines data from different sources to get a fuller detailed picture and for public health decision making.
Dr Masaya underscored that collaborative intelligence efforts such as PHI and MSCS are key to triggering rapid, evidence-informed public health action.
Dr Masaya highlights how PHI and MSCS contribute to early detection and coordinated response to threats like avian influenza A(H5).(Picture -IHM/WHE/SEARO)
Country Experience: Bangladesh
Dr Shirin Tahmina, the Director General from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh delivered a comprehensive presentation showcasing the country’s influenza surveillance system and its coordinated national network. The presentation outlined the structure of the sentinel-based Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) and Influenza Like Illness (ILI) surveillance system, highlighting integration with national networks, public health institutions, and other key stakeholders. The speaker emphasized the importance of sustained capacity-building, cross-sector collaboration, and the value of timely detection and reporting, especially in light of recent H5 virus detections. The experience also shed light on practical challenges such as specimen logistics, resource constraints and reaffirmed the need for sustained support to further strengthen national and regional influenza surveillance capacities.
The webinar was concluded with heartfelt thanks to all speakers, panellists, and participants for their valuable contributions and active engagement. Appreciation was extended to country representatives, WHO Collaborating Centres, and WHO technical teams for sharing their experiences, insights, and support in advancing influenza preparedness across the WHO South East Asia Region.
As a next step, countries are encouraged to continue strengthening influenza surveillance systems, prioritize timely IHR reporting, and share viruses with WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) —particularly in advance of the September 2025 Vaccine Composition Meeting (VCM). The WHO Regional Office reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member States through technical collaboration, capacity-building, and coordinated response efforts.