Anticipation and response: pandemic influenza in Malawi, 2009

Sambala, Evanson Z.; Manderson, Lenore

While the 2009 pandemic is past, there is a lot to learn from this experience. The way planning and actual responses were rolled out throughout the pre and post pandemic period demand renewed strategies to improve PRPI activities for future outbreaks. A PRPI model needs to be developed to achieve meaningful responses. Simulation exercises would be a particularly valuable tool to improve preparedness to ensure that specific tasks, functions and skills are met in real pandemic scenarios. Simulation exercises act as a policy tool that informs policymakers to take proactive and timely actions as part of response measures. A PRPI model that also takes into consideration the 'prevention of ethical problems' will enable policymakers to evaluate interventions that may maintain operational readiness during a pandemic. Most importantly, lessons could be drawn regarding the need to strengthen health systems for district health service planning in compliance with infection control standards and PRPI themes such as communication, monitoring and surveillance, and prevention. The best way to respond effectively to a pandemic is to prepare for the worst. Being prepared for, and responding to, influenza pandemics requires having well-trained epidemiologists, a functional public health service, reliable surveillance system, laboratories, and efficient communication channels. These can be supported by a functioning scientific and policy advisory committee to bridge the gap between the epidemiology of the disease and operational responses.