A TWN report on the outcomes of the discussion of destruction of smallpox virus stocks at the 64th WHA (2011). […]
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Forty-three CSOs have written an open letter calling on delegates to the 64th WHA to unequivocally terminate research with smallpox virus and to fix a prompt and irrevocable date for the destruction of the stocks. […] This informational briefing explores the need to maintain clarity about smallpox research and an essential public health purpose. […] As the 64th World Health Assembly opens on 16 May, global interest is turning again to the issue of destruction of smallpox (variola) virus stocks. […] These articles make the case for the destruction of the remaining stocks of smallpox virus, held at two WHO repositories in the US and Russia. […] The US and Russia are expected to oppose any moves to set a new date for destruction of the remaining smallpox virus stocks. The informational briefing considers the possibility of a stalemate and contemplates what it might mean for the future. […] This informational briefing demonstrates that the risk of accidents at high containment labs is significant. With smallpox, the risk is proportional to the length of time that smallpox is stored and the number of activities conducted with the stocks. […] This informational briefing addresses the issue of alleged unauthorized smallpox stocks and explains why, even if they exist, smallpox virus is not needed to respond. Hence, the conclusion that the remaining stocks should be destroyed does not change. […] This informational briefing explains why the remaining smallpox virus stocks are not national assets of the US and Russia, and hence why this is not a barrier to setting a new date for destruction of the remaining stocks. […] This TWN paper analyzes the outcomes of the major review of smallpox virus research. The review found no compelling public health reason to continue to retain the virus, providing clear justification for prompt destruction of remaining virus stocks. […] |
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