Avian Flu & Influenza Pandemics
The world is facing a growing threat of an influenza pandemic. Businesses and communities are being called on to join governments and health organisations around the world to put pandemic preparedness plans in place. Such efforts will help minimise the social and economic impacts of an influenza pandemic. A sound Pandemic Preparedness and Business Continuity Plan is prudent management. Effective planning will assist organisations to protect the health of their employees and families and minimise disruption to operations.
Avian influenza refers to strains of the influenza virus that mainly affect birds. Occasionally, these strains jump across to other species, including pigs and humans. The current avian strain causing worldwide concern is H5N1. Since December 2003 more than 100 people have been confirmed infected across South-East Asia. More than half of them died. Genetic changes in the make-up of the H5N1 virus could see it transmit easily between people. If this happens, and it is as highly contagious as the normal flu, a pandemic is almost inevitable.

Our Services
Our expert health team can assist organisations to develop a Pandemic Preparedness Framework. This framework incorporates international guidelines and protocols and provides you with pandemic facts, potential scenarios and responses. Using this framework as a guide, our expert health team will work with you to develop customized Pandemic Preparedness Plans and Procedures for your organisation. We are also able to provide the following services:

Pandemic Awareness and Response Training
Our expert health team can train your staff in what to expect during a pandemic and how to respond to the different challenges they may face. Training curricula will be designed to fit the specific needs of your organisation.

Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Materials
We can assist you to identify the most appropriate IEC materials for your organisation. Simple measures such as placing posters demonstrating the importance of hand washing can support infection control measures. If you have international operations, we will ensure your IEC materials are linguistically and culturally appropriate.

On-Site Audits
While experts believe a pandemic will occur, they cannot predict when. By regularly auditing your Pandemic Preparedness Plan we can help you ensure it remains up-to-date with both internal and external changes.

Communication Planning
Prompt, clear internal communications will limit panic and confusion within your organisation should a pandemic break out. Integral to any preparedness planning is ensuring you have clear communications responsibilities and protocols in place.