The United Nations responds: in the wake of September 11.

• Position: Statistical Data Included

ICAO

The Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded its 33rd session on 5 October in Montreal, Canada with the adoption of specific resolutions to increase the safety and security of international civil aviation. A record 1,130 participants from 169 Contracting States and observers from 32 international organizations also adopted resolutions that enhance the mandate and ability of ICAO to deal with the new realities of civil aviation in the twenty-first century.

"The decisions of this 33rd Session of the Assembly, coupled with one of the most productive periods in the Organization's history, will indeed provide the Organization with the tools it needs to meet the complex technical, regulatory and economic challenges that lie before us", commented Dr. Assad Kotaite, President of the ICAO Council.

In the area of aviation security, the Assembly endorsed a resolution calling for, at the earliest possible date, an international high-level ministerial conference to develop measures for "preventing, combating and eradicating acts of terrorism involving civil aviation". The resolution also calls for a full review of international aviation security conventions and of Annex 17--Safeguarding International Civil Aviation Against Acts of Unlawful Interference--to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the ICAO charter. Annex 17 and related guidance material contain the internationally-approved Standards and Recommended Practices and Procedures (SARPs) on aviation security as they apply to international flights.

Other proposed measures include special funding for urgent action by ICAO in aviation security and more stable funding through increases of States' voluntary contributions to ICAO aviation security (AVSEC) mechanism. The applicability to domestic flights of international security standards contained in Annex 17 and the locking of cockpit doors will be given high priority by the AVSEC panel when it meets later this year.

The Assembly directed ICAO to consider the establishment of the Universal Security Oversight Audit Programme, modelled after the highly successful Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme, to assess the implementation of security-related SARPs. The Programme consists of regular, mandatory, systematic and harmonized safety audits carried out by ICAO in all 187 Contracting States. Since its creation on 1 January 1999, it has proven effective in identifying and correcting safety deficiencies in personnel licensing and airworthiness, and aircraft operation. The Assembly approved the expansion of the Programme to include air traffic services and aerodromes, and requested a study on further expansion to other safety-related fields, in particular to aircraft accident and incident investigation. It also requested ICAO to assist in resolving deficiencies identified by the Programme through such measures as support in obtaining financial and technical assistance, technical seminars on safety oversight, development of guidance material, and the creation of a quality assistance function.

WHO

Responding to reports about unexpected cases of anthrax, initially from the United States and then from elsewhere, Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on 18 October: "Local and national public health systems are gearing up to respond to outbreaks of infectious disease, whether deliberate or naturally occurring. There are three lessons from recent events: first, public health systems have responded promptly to the suspicion of deliberate infections; second, these systems must continue to be vigilant; and third, an informed and responsible public is a critical part of the response. Today, we are releasing revised guidance on responses to suspected anthrax infections."

Anthrax is not a new disease, and it is completely curable following a correct and rapid diagnosis. Although it is an extremely serious condition, the most dangerous form--inhalation or pulmonary anthrax--can only be caught by direct exposure to spores suspended in the air. It is not possible to catch inhalation anthrax from another person.

Dr. David Heymann, Executive Director for Communicable Diseases at WHO, said: "We would like it to be possible for citizens in all countries to understand how best to respond to the deliberate use of anthrax. Anyone who feels ill should seek medical advice in the normal way. Unless they have been directly exposed to anthrax spores, they cannot have anthrax and should not be concerned. Anyone who receives or sees a suspicious letter or package should report it to the police or other local authorities in the normal way. Police and health authorities are equipped to test and react to any suspicious package and whatever it might contain."

It is vital that people should not attempt to use antibiotics to treat or protect themselves without first seeking medical advice. Antibiotics are powerful and effective tools, but must be used correctly and wisely. If the wrong antibiotics are used, they will not be effective and could possibly cause harm. Misuse can also lead to drug resistance, which means that even the most powerful antibiotics can lose their ability to treat the disease.

At this stage, widespread immunization against anthrax is not a feasible option. WHO is working with national governments and international bodies to monitor the situation and provide updated guidance at regular intervals.

Furthermore, WHO has consulted with its Advisory Committee and has updated the official guidance on smallpox vaccination on 26 October. The conclusion of the review states that: "Existing vaccines have proven efficacy, but also have a high incidence of adverse side effects. The risk of adverse events is sufficiently high that mass vaccination is not warranted if there is no or little real risk of exposure. Individual countries that have reason to believe that their people face an increased risk of smallpox because of deliberate use of the virus are considering options for increasing their access to vaccines. The vaccines would be given to people who are at risk of exposure to smallpox, including health and civil workers, and would be used in a search and containment...