About ESWI

The European Scientific Working group on Influenza was founded in October 1992. This multidisciplinary group of key opinion leaders in influenza aims to combat the impact of epidemic and pandemic influenza. Complementing the core group of ESWI members are advisers, linking ESWI to the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, the Imperial College in London and the University of Connecticut, USA.

To finance its activities and plans, ESWI receives equal annual grants from several pharmaceutical companies. Its scientific independence is guaranteed by the group’s constitution.

ESWI firmly believes that improved pandemic preparedness starts with an increased control of the disease during the interpandemic period. ESWI also believes that the fight against influenza can only be won when all parties involved are well informed and ready to collaborate. ESWI members therefore do not limit their knowledge and experience exclusively to the scientific and medical world. It is ESWI's task to raise awareness on the impact of influenza and its control measures amongst government representatives, the European Union, opinion leaders in public health, health care workers, international organizations and the pharmaceutical industry.

Following the fact that reducing the impact of influenza is a joint responsibility, ESWI redefined its strategic objective in 2005. To enhance interaction and networking between all parties involved, ESWI intends “To reduce the impact of epidemic and pandemic influenza in the European population by identifying and communicating with stakeholders and by facilitating interactions between them.”

The ESWI structure

The European Scientific Working group on Influenza is a multidisciplinary group of key opinion leaders in influenza, united in the fight against influenza. ESWI has a core group of eight voting members, which is complemented with an advisory panel of six non-voting advisers. To finance its activities, ESWI receives equal annual grants from nine pharmaceutical companies. Its scientific independence is guaranteed by the group’s constitution.