Anticipation and response: pandemic influenza in Malawi, 2009

Sambala, Evanson Z.; Manderson, Lenore

Any pandemic influenza outbreak, regardless of severity, can lead to intense pressure on health services when a high number of sick people need attention. At the same time, pandemic influenza is a serious threat, with a large population at risk of infection in a relatively short period of time. Even mild to moderate illness in the population can significantly disrupt social life and economic activities, with one study suggesting that pandemic influenza could reduce GDP by 0.5-4.3% [22] . A WHO study conducted in Thailand, Uganda and South Africa, for example, suggested that the 2009-2010 pandemic influenza contributed to a GDP loss of up to 0.05% of these countries [23] . In many respects, where resources are limited, pandemic influenza can be responded to in the same way as seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections such as TB. However, if PRPI is to be sustainable and sensitive to context, there is a need for internal funding and the development of command structures that do not heavily rely on external funding. Business continuity planning is required by both health and non-health sectors to complement and consolidate national plans, and to ensure continuation of the vital day-to-day functions of the society. For example, a business plan in the health sector may need to consider alternative power sources, if routine supplies affect operations due to constant surges, blackouts, and/or chronic shortages of fuel.