National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza: Implementation Plan

The US Federal Government has published a comprehensive document describing more than 300 critical actions to address the threat of pandemic influenza. The ‘National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza: Implementation Plan’ clarifies the roles and responsibilities of governmental and non-governmental entities, including Federal, State, local, and tribal authorities and regional, national, and international stakeholders, and provides preparedness guidance for all segments of society.

The Plan addresses the following topics:

• Chapters 2 and 3 (US Government Planning and Response) describe the unique threat posed by a pandemic that would spread across the globe over a period of many months; the specific and coordinated actions to be taken by the Federal Government as well as its capabilities and limitations in responding to the sustained and distributed burden of a pandemic; and the central importance of comprehensive preparation at the State, local, and community levels to address medical and nonmedical impacts with available resources.

• Chapters 4 and 5 (International Efforts and Transportation and Borders) outline steps which will be taken to work with the US’s international partners to prevent, slow, or limit the spread of infection globally and in the United States, and describe proposed measures for effective management of US borders and the transportation sector during a pandemic.

• Chapter 6 (Protecting Human Health) details the critical actions that public health authorities, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and individuals should take to protect human health and reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by a pandemic.

• Chapter 7 (Protecting Animal Health) highlights the actions necessary to prevent and contain outbreaks in animals with the aim of reducing human exposure and the opportunity for viral mutation that could result in efficient human-to-human transmission.

• Chapter 8 (Law Enforcement, Public Safety, and Security) outlines the support that State and local law enforcement and public safety agencies must provide, with appropriate Federal assistance, to public health efforts and essential public safety services, and to maintain public order.

• Chapter 9 (Institutional Considerations) provides guidance for the preparation of essential pandemic plans by Federal, State, local, and tribal authorities, businesses, schools, and non-governmental organizations to ensure continuity of operations and maintenance of critical infrastructure. It also provides guidance for families and individuals to ensure appropriate personal protection.

Download the document (PDF)

•Date: 4th May 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning: US
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