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Readiness and Response

Pandemic Influenza Preparedness

In response to infectious diseases spreading faster than any other time in history, CDC is helping countries measure their preparedness for public health threats—in particular, their ability to respond to a potential influenza pandemic. The National Inventory of Core Capabilities for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response (the National Inventory) is an innovative measurement tool developed by CDC to help at-risk countries measure their ability to respond to the threat of an avian influenza pandemic.

The National Inventory has been translated into six languages and complements the World Health Organization recommendations for countries to assess their preparedness and identify immediate steps to fill gaps in public health threat preparedness.

In 2008, 42 countries assessed their ability to protect their populations using specific milestones. Those milestones included the development of a country plan, research and use of findings, communications, epidemiologic capability, laboratory capability, routine influenza surveillance, national respiratory disease surveillance and reporting, outbreak response, resources for containment, community-based interventions to prevent the spread of influenza, infection control, and health sector capacity.

Assessment Findings

• Forty-two countries have documented capabilities at a single point in time.
• Two countries have determined progress toward enhanced preparedness over time.
• Mongolia has promoted exchange of information between national and subnational levels.
• Many countries have demonstrated accountability for use of resources to donors or stakeholders.
• Many countries have reviewed logistic and operational needs and addressed deficiencies, built an inventory of country strengths, and promoted cross-border collaboration to enhance preparedness.
• Many countries have supported harmonization of national and international preparedness and response plans.

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