The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that a pandemic influenza outbreak could kill as many as 7.4 million people worldwide. FHI 360 has worked for many years to address this global threat through participation in the Southeast Asia Infectious Disease Clinical Research Network (SEAICRN). This collaboration of hospitals and institutions, created by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, has conducted research on infectious diseases, including influenza.
FHI 360 assists the SEAICRN network to enhance the capacity of its sites to plan and conduct studies in accordance with international standards. Our experts conduct site assessments, training and activities to build research capacity. We assist the sites in developing and implementing quality research systems, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines for the protection of human participants in clinical studies.
Our 360-degree comprehensive approach also includes support for pharmacy and clinical laboratory systems in participating sites. We work with site investigators, local governments and research institutions in Indonesia, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam. These efforts have advanced scientific knowledge and effective management of human and avian influenza through integrated, collaborative international clinical research.
Our PREVENT project worked closely with WHO and other United Nations agencies to provide communication support to developing countries affected by the H1N1 influenza pandemic. The project also provided guidance on how to implement an H1N1 vaccination effort among populations most at risk.
In the United States, FHI 360 experts led the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Influenza Vaccine Campaign for six years, which included the high-profile 2009 H1N1 influenza campaign. We also have implemented CDC media campaigns to promote vaccination of young children and adolescents against seasonal influenza by targeting health care providers and parents.
