Anticipation and response: pandemic influenza in Malawi, 2009

Sambala, Evanson Z.; Manderson, Lenore

Since the 2009 pandemic outbreak, scholars have analysed how some countries in Africa responded [11, 12] and identified lessons from the global preparedness responses [13] . However, little is known of how Malawi translated its national influenza plan into response actions, or the success of these responses. To our knowledge, the study we report here is the first to investigate the planning for and responses to the 2009 pandemic influenza in a low income country, where governance, infrastructure and health systems might all compromise health outcomes. In this article, we focus on the challenges and operational problems Malawi encountered. We draw on interviews conducted with policymakers involved in PRPI to broaden our understanding of country preparedness and the outcomes of the responses. We conclude by identifying areas where preparedness and future responses might be improved.