The UN System Influenza Coordinator (UNSIC) and the World Bank are pleased to announce the launch of the Training Database for Avian and Human Pandemic Influenza.   The public database, located at http://www.un-influenza.org/training, is a clearinghouse for information on training opportunities related to avian and human influenza (AHI) response and preparedness activities; many of these training opportunities will likely be relevant to tackling other infectious diseases at the animal-human-ecosystem interfaces.

Located within the UNSIC’s Avian Influenza and the Pandemic Threat portal (http://www.un-influenza.org) and accessible to the public, the training database uses a simple interface to allow users to create an account, search for training opportunities, announce upcoming training events, and post requests for training.  Registering for an account is easy, and requires only that the user have an active e-mail account. Training requests and announcements are displayed in simple matrixes, and a training request or announcement can be easily submitted using a standardized form.

The training database was created jointly by UNSIC and the World Bank as part of their effort to ensure coordination of avian flu activities across international agencies at the country level.  “Training continues to be needed to improve global capacity to respond to the avian and pandemic influenza threats, as well as to other diseases emerging at the animal-human interface,” says David Nabarro, Sr. UN System Influenza Coordinator.“The training database initiative will  facilitate awareness of training needs and access to training opportunities.”