All countries should immediately now activate their pandemic preparedness plans. Countries should remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.

Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world.

For the first time in history, we can track the evolution of a pandemic in real-time... Influenza viruses are notorious for their rapid mutation and unpredictable behaviour.

The international community should treat this as a window of opportunity to ramp up preparedness and response.

Pandemic influenza is by nature an international issue; it requires an international solution.

The unique nature about the influenza virus is its great potential for changes, for mutation.

HIV AIDS is a disease with stigma. And we have learned with experience, not just with HIV AIDS but with other diseases, countries for many reasons are sometimes hesitant to admit they have a problem.

Health system development is a key to effective detection, response, and control of any outbreak.

I have a reputation for being a straight-talker.

Tobacco is the only industry that produces products to make huge profits and at the same time damage the health and kill their consumers.

For a pandemic of moderate severity, this is one of our greatest challenges: helping people to understand when they do not need to worry, and when they do need to seek urgent care.

Decision-making is a skill. Wisdom is a leadership trait.

A stealthy ninja monkey she was not.

Swimming is normal for me. I'm relaxed. I'm comfortable, and I know my surroundings. It's my home.

I love my cameras. I love contact sheets. I love the visceral thing of film and I'm not positive that I can replicate my lighting digitally. My assistants tell me I can, but, just stubborn I guess.

Business is all about focus. But with focus comes myopia and to conquer that, I come in to shake things up. To be invited as a keynote speaker is to have a license to interfere and interrupt.

The reason many people fail is not for lack of vision but for lack of resolve and resolve is born out of counting the cost.

You might not have thought it possible to give birth to others before one has given birth to oneself, but I assure you it is quite possible, it has been done; I offer myself in evidence as Exhibit A.

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.

My grandmother really liked virgins. There's nothing wrong with virgins, there's a time and a place for that. I had other things on my mind... like Robert Plant.

What did you do, memorize a map of the city for fun?” says Christina. “Yes,” says Will, looking puzzled. “Didn’t you?