In the wake of the A/H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak in Mexico, Ergo undertook a comprehensive study of 18 countries, including an assessment of local risk factors, an evaluation of national pandemic preparedness plans, and predictions regarding the likelihood and possible impacts of further spread of the virus.

Leveraging the access of our in-country teams, we engaged 52 leading experts using several tools: in-depth online surveys; an online forum in which nine select experts responded to specific questions about the virus, and peer reviewed and challenged each other's theories and assumptions; and in-person and telephone interviews conducted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Dari, and Azerbaijani. Participating experts included health ministry officials, renowned epidemiologists at leading public and private health facilities, and a range of experts on specific aspects of influenza outbreaks and containment.

Ergo's real-time coverage of the outbreak provided a critical evaluation of the swine flu threat in each country, based on local vulnerability factors, pandemic preparation levels, and expectations regarding the future trajectory of the virus.