February 16, 2012

NIH Statement on H5N1 and the World Health Organization Meeting

Image of Avian influenza Colorized transmission electron micrograph of Avian influenza A H5N1 viruses (seen in gold) grown in MDCK cells (seen in green).CDC/Cynthia Goldsmith

Today, an international group of public health and influenza experts convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded a two-day meeting examining issues regarding two unpublished manuscripts that describe National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research on the transmissibility of H5N1 influenza. We continue to stand by the December 2011 recommendations of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) but we intend to consider carefully the information discussed during the WHO-hosted meeting. We remain committed to the advancement of scientific inquiry to improve public health while balancing national security concerns.

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, National Institutes of Health