In related news, Bloomberg examines the growing criticism the WHO is facing over claims it exaggerated the threat of H1N1 to benefit members of the pharmaceutical industry. The WHO responded to such criticism in a statement released yesterday (Gale, 12/3). The Canadian Press adds: "The agency said all experts who advise the WHO do so for free and must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. 'Allegations of undeclared conflicts of interest are taken very seriously by WHO, and are immediately investigated,' the statement said" (12/3).

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