Anticipation and response: pandemic influenza in Malawi, 2009

Sambala, Evanson Z.; Manderson, Lenore

As noted, 22 policymakers were interviewed. The broad categories of analysis that policymakers primarily referred to were challenges and operational problems encountered when responding to a pandemic influenza. As we discuss below, six themes from the analysis on PRPI were identified: governance and decision-making; coordination and advice; politics, science and policy; key infrastructure for PRPI; information, communication and education; and prevention, mitigation and containment. Responses arising from preparations and actions undertaken during the pandemic period included activating the pandemic plan and initiating influenza surveillance measures. They also included the deployment of generic infection control advice, and coordinating and communicating different response actions in order to maintain the routines and functions of civil society.