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The influenza virus is feared because of its ability to change its genetic makeup very quickly and to develop highly infectious and highly pathogenic properties as a result. (Background > Influenza Virus). The World Health Organization (WHO) therefore fears an influenza pandemic could occur.
All states have been urged to prepare for this case.
Since April 2000, the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network has been bringing agreed standards to international epidemic response through the development of Guiding Principles for International Outbreak Alert and Response and operational protocols to standardize epidemiological, laboratory, clinical management, research, communications, logistics support, security, evacuation and communications systems.
The Guiding Principles for International Outbreak Alert and Response aim to improve the coordination of international assistance in support of local efforts by partners in the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network on how to prepare for field activity, to activate international support, to coordinate response in the field, to evaluate and follow up outbreaks of international importance. Detailed standard operating protocols support the Guiding Principles and address the broad spectrum of operational issues and the challenges of coordinated international outbreak response.
The global influenza preparedness plan has been prepared to assist WHO Member States and those responsible for public health, medical and emergency preparedness to respond to threats and occurrences of pandemic influenza. This plan addresses the possibility of a prolonged existence of an influenza virus of pandemic potential, such as the H5N1 influenza virus subtype in poultry flocks in Asia which persisted from 2003 onwards. It also makes provision of simultaneous occurrence of events with pandemic potential with different threats levels in different countries.
The following aims should be achieved:
- combating the international spread of outbreaks
- inform decision-makers, experts, the general public and media
- ensuring that appropriate technical assistance reaches affected states rapidly
- contributing to long-term epidemic preparedness and capacity building
- help national authorities in developing their own pandemic plans
- maintain all necessary public services
- safeguarding of medical care
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