title: National pandemic influenza preparedness planning.
abstract: The recent outbreaks of influenza A/H5N1 and 'swine influenza' A/H1N1 have caused global concern over the potential for a new influenza pandemic. Although it is impossible to predict when the next pandemic will occur, appropriate planning is still needed to maximize efficient use of resources and to minimize loss of life and productivity. Many tools now exist to assist countries in evaluating their plans but there is little to aid in writing of the plans. This study discusses the process of drafting a pandemic influenza preparedness plan for developing countries that conforms to the International Health Regulations of 2005 and recommendations of the World Health Organization. Stakeholders from many sectors should be involved in drafting a comprehensive pandemic influenza plan that addresses all levels of preparedness.
authors.affiliation: International Epidemiology and Response Team, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. eha9@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Azziz-Baumgartner
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: González-Alvarez
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Daves
authors.forename: Marcelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Layton
authors.forename: Nivaldo
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Linares
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Richardson-Smith
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bresee
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mounts
mesh_terms: D002959:Civil Defense / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology*