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Pandemic!  Are You Prepared?

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a pandemic is “the worldwide spread of a new disease…and most people do not have immunity.”  The most effective, efficient, timely, and cost-effective way to plan for and manage a global pandemic is to be prepared.  Preparation saves time, money, energy, and resources.  To assist with this goal, Canada’s Public Health Agency partnered with the World Health Organization and implemented an electronic Public Health early-warning system, known as the Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN). GPHIN uses websites, news wires, and other media to search for information about disease outbreaks and other Public Health concerns (WHO).  The World Health Organization has devised a plan that can be modified and used for pandemics and general emergencies.

  

To prepare for worldwide epidemics, every country must have a national pandemic risk management program in place.  This program should include the capacity to develop and respond in all sectors.  It is also important to perform forecasts of the national impact in cost-effectiveness of preparedness to procure sufficient funding.  Existing national emergency programs should be integrated with pandemic management plans.  The use of vaccines and antiviral drugs should be prioritized, and should include the distribution of free medical care and medications.  Every level of government should be advised of fall practices regarding pandemic planning and implementation.  Procedures to access allocation of resources must be developed.

  

These procedures should include specific activities to be handled by governmental, nongovernmental organizations and humanitarians.  Additionally, there should be a list created with contact information of experts who can provide relative advice.  It is also necessary to develop strategies and survived training for all Health Care workers and volunteers to quickly respond during and throughout the pandemic.  An assessment should be made to determine how much additional human, and material resources may be needed, as well as the amount of human and material resources available for donation to other countries if necessary.

 

WHO also recommends a pandemic risk management committee that is a multi-agency as well as cross-governmental.  This committee should develop and revise as necessary, risk management plans.  Revisions should include other relevant public and private partners.

It is crucial that methods and means of communication also be included in a pandemic risk management plan.  Effective strategies to communicate, educate, and inform families, individuals, and the community must be developed.  It is important to identify spokespersons, communication channels, and how they will be able to reach target populations.  Protocols must be developed as well as training programs for spokespeople and communication channels. Exercises should be conducted to pre-test communication media.  It is also important to build good relationships with journalists and keep them abreast of pandemic related information. Consideration should also be given to the restriction of mass gatherings and school closures.

  

Additionally, regular briefing updates should be provided to all spokespersons, in order that all communication is consistent.  Mechanisms should be activated for the widest dissemination of information.  Communication information should include any information known about the virus; for example, how it is being transmitted, how serious it is, and treatment and prevention. Also, communication should cover how widespread the outbreak is, the effectiveness of containment measures, and what will be done next.  Additionally, any road, border, or school closures should be announced; along with where to go for medical care and other resources.  In its most basic form, preparedness means having detailed answers to five basic questions: Who? What?  When?  Where?  How?

    

In the event of an emergency or pandemic, your family may be depending on you to know how to get to safety, or where to get resources in the event of an emergency or pandemic.  Are you prepared?

Reference

World Health Organization: Global Alert and Response.  Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/csr/alertresponse/epidemicintelligence/en/

World Health Organization: Retrieved from:  http://www.who.int/influenza/preparedness/pandemic/GIP_PandemicInfluenzaRiskManagementInterimGuidance_Jun2013.pdf

By Donna R. Turner, MPH, CHES