WHO Global Pandemic Framework

1.1 WHO Stage (Inter-pandemic)

The Inter-pandemic phases of the WHO’s recommended pandemic planning framework require BC planners to have a knowledge of the impending threat, maintain continuous monitoring, make the necessary preparation and develop an adaptable response structure. A preventive program to reduce business risk in the event of when a pandemic occurs.

Framework for Infectious Disease BC Planning

Even though we have experienced three previous flu pandemics and infectious diseases in the 20th century, nobody knows exactly how a pandemic could unfold. However, the recent development of the virus provides some clue as to what might be expected.

The WHO has warned that the risk of the avian flu becoming a human influenza pandemic is high. Most governments throughout the world are taking the necessary steps and updating their Infectious Disease BC plans.

The figure outlines the four stages of the WHO’s pandemic influenza management strategy as well as the “alert codes” that will indicate a shift from one stage to the next. The WHO has specified the stages of a pandemic and the phases within each phrase.

Stages of a Pandemic

The WHO has come up with a global influenza preparedness plan, which defines the stages of a pandemic. It also outlines the WHO’s role and makes recommendations for national measures to be taken before and during a pandemic.

Inter-pandemic Phase (Preparedness)

This phase shows the start and the end process between the influenza pandemics. Simply put, it is the period between influenza pandemics.

• Indicative WHO Actions for Inter-pandemic Phase
• Support development of emergency risks management capacity.

Alert Phase (Response)

The response phase is the period whereby a Pandemic Flu was caused by a new subtype that has been identified in humans. Local, national and global levels have increased their vigilance and careful risk assessment. This response is part of the characteristic of this phase. There will be a de-escalation of activities towards those in the inter-pandemic phase if the risk assessment shows that the new virus is not established into the pandemic strain.

• Indicative WHO Actions for Alert Phase
• Conduct global risk assessment through the IHR mechanism.
• Provide advice to member states.
• Activate support networks, advisory groups and partner networks.
• Deploy antivirals.
• Intensify regulatory preparedness.

Pandemic Phase (Recovery)

This phase is the period whereby human influenza caused by a new subtype has reached the global spread. Quick or gradual movement between the inter-pandemic, alert and pandemic phases could occur as indicated by the global risk assessment, principally based on epidemiological, virological, and clinical data.

• Indicative WHO Actions for Pandemic Phase
• Scale responses as indicated by the global risk assessment.
• Declare a pandemic.
• Provide continual support to affected states.

Transition Phase (Recovery to Preparedness)

The de-escalation of global actions will occur when the globally assessed risk reduces. According to their risk assessments, reduction in response activities or movement towards recovery actions by countries may be applicable.

• Indicative WHO Actions for Transition Phase
• Scale responses as determined by the global risk assessment.
• Consider the termination or modification of temporary measures and termination of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The Organisation with No Plan

Planning for the unthinkable infectious disease could appear to be a vast and complex set of tasks. It ranges from the probability of a minor outbreak in a country to a global disaster that undermines the basic functions of life. Most organisations, especially those without any BC plans, will be overwhelmed by the planning complexity. Many of those without the necessary resources have unwisely chosen the “wait-and-hope” approach. A good starting point for any organisation begins with the review of its H1N1, MERS-CoV, Ebola or Zika infectious disease BC plans. This stage applies to those countries that are affected by the infectious disease virus.

This book does not follow the conventional BC planning approach. It has been modified as a fast track planning approach to preparing organisations for the impending Infectious Disease threat. The consideration is based on the need to develop an immediate plan to manage this threat, especially for organisations that do not have BC plans.

This Infectious Disease is evolving and is likely to continue to do so. Hence, it is imperative for organisations to develop and implement BC plans that can be continuously adapted as and when more information is provided on the virus through efforts by the community and government.

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