The Challenge of Avian Flu: Strategies for an Impending Pandemic

Since 2003 more than 170 human cases of Avian flu have been reported, and almost 100 were fatal. The H5N1 strain of flu -- avian flu -- has led to the killing of millions of birds in more than 30 countries. Health officials fear that a mutation of the flu, passing from birds to humans, could trigger a pandemic killing millions.

Dr. David Nabarro, Senior UN System Coordinator for Avian and Human Influenza, addressed the UN system's plans to make an effective and coordinated contribution to the global effort to control the epidemic of avian influenza.

John Rennie, Editor-in-Chief of Scientific American magazine, addressed the scientific challenge of avian flu -- how an ailment in birds can become a lethal threat to humans, and the difficulties of preventing or controlling such a disease.