Outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and recent experiences with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) served as significant warnings for the possibility of an influenza pandemic. Since December 2005, together with other international partners, WHO has been working on ways to prevent such an event from occurring through preparedness, rapid response and containment.

Mathematical modeling studies on influenza transmission patterns suggest that an initial outbreak caused by an emerging pandemic virus might be contained, if extraordinary measures are taken within a very short time frame. The rapid response and containment strategy aims to stop, or at least slow the spread of pandemic influenza at the source of its emergence to minimize global morbidity and mortality. A draft protocol for rapid response and containment was revised and released on 30 May 2006. http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/guidelines/draftprotocol/en/index.html

At this point, country-level planning and preparedness are crucial. Therefore, to assist Member States and country office operational staff, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific will hold a workshop, entitled “Workshop on Pandemic Management and Emergency Exercise” in Manila, Philippines from 13 to 16 December 2006. This workshop will provide training on pandemic emergency management and pandemic exercise development. It will also be the impetus for preparing standardized country operational plans for rapid response and containment.

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