Listen to experts detail how pandemic influenza viruses are created, why populations are affected differently, and how vaccinations affect the spread of the virus.

This session was part of a CFR symposium, Pandemic Influenza: Science, Economics, and Foreign Policy, which was cosponsored with Science Magazine.

Listen to experts analyze the economic effects of pandemic influenza including on the labor force and trade.

This session was part of a CFR symposium, Pandemic Influenza: Science, Economics, and Foreign Policy, which was cosponsored with Science Magazine.

Listen to Michael T. Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, discuss the threat of swine flu becoming a pandemic and the steps that governments should take to minimize the effects.

Listen to CFR expert Laurie Garrett discuss the threat of a global swine flu pandemic and possible policy responses.

Listen to global public health experts discuss the threat of an avian flu pandemic and steps that can and should be taken to address it.

Listen to Michael T. Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, and author of the recent Foreign Affairs article, "Unprepared for a Pandemic", discuss the current threat of the pandemic flu as part of CFR's State and Local Officials Conference Call Series.

Learn more about CFR's State and Local Officials Initiative.

The World Health Organization has gained prominence for its success in battling diseases such as polio and malaria, but is challenged by an unwieldy mission and strained resources in a landscape of competing organizations.

Governments increased funding and international cooperation to limit the spread of avian flu. But the unpredictability of a potential pandemic raises concerns over global preparedness.

Four experts examine the biggest challenge to ensuring the safety of pharmaceuticals traded globally.

David Fedson, an international expert in flu vaccine policy, says the current distribution system could leave many developing countries without access to vaccines during a flu pandemic. Fedson suggests more attention be given to alternative drug therapies.

Don Oberdorfer, an expert on the two Koreas, says the recent street protests ostensibly against the import of U.S. beef are much more political protests against the new conservative government in Seoul.

In 2014 "mini-meds" or health care policies that feature high deductibles, modest benefits and low annual caps on medical coverage will be banned. Wendell Potter analyzes how many large insurance companies are securing wavers  to continue providing the heavily contested, but highly profitable policies.

It is not often clear when the spread of a disease, such as cholera, becomes a pandemic.