The current dispute over making bird flu data open to the public (see the third article below) is a sad statement on the obstacles that often confront developers of new therapies and diagnostics. At a time when researchers should have every scrap of data available on the lethal virus, the data is often kept under wraps by a short list of specially designated labs. In many cases, this is simply because countries like Iraq and Turkey balk at allowing general access to the data on the viruses that have begun to afflict their birds and their people.
More importantly, it also underscores the general vacuum of authority in confronting bird flu. Most countries are reserving their best efforts and cash for stockpiling drugs that may or may not work against a mutated virus. But where is the central authority responsible for finding a new vaccine or swiftly engaging governments like Iraq--of all places--which are proving stubbornly resistant to helping researchers develop new solutions? This is the kind of leadership role that the U.S., with an extensive and well-funded network of public health agencies, can and should provide. Now. - John Carroll