International donors at a two-day rapid response conference in Tokyo said Friday they are ready to help poor Asian countries prepare for a potential flu pandemic, but a delegate from the European Union said it will not fund the stockpiling of drugs and instead focus on improving animal health measures.
James Le Duc, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told delegates that the U.S. is committed to making a substantial investment to help build regional drug stockpiles. Health experts believe the drugs could help slow the spread of a pandemic flu strain if people in affected areas are treated quickly enough.
But Patrick Deboyser, representing the European Commission, said the EU instead wants to make an investment in improving veterinary services, including detection and laboratory facilities. It will not fund regional stockpiling efforts, he said.
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