Influenza pandemics are rare but recurring events that have periodically affected humanity since ancient times, according to this report. They are invariably associated with a rapid surge, experienced globally, in the number of cases of respiratory illness and death. To date, the most lethal pandemic in the history of humanity was the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic: which killed 40-50 million people, mainly young adults, within one year.

During subsequent pandemics, the groups most severely affected were similar to those affected during normal seasonal influenza: the very young, elderly, chronically ill and persons with compromised immune systems.

According to the writer, the arrival of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu on the African continent would be of great concern for human as well as animal health. Though the densities of human and poultry populations are generally lower in Africa than in south-east Asia, the poultry production systems have many similarities which could create multiple opportunities for human exposure, if outbreaks occur in African poultry. In Africa, many households keep backyard flocks which often mingle freely with wild birds. Most such flocks scavenge for food, often entering households or sharing outdoor areas where children play.

The report recommends priority actions for Africa nations, including:

• Building strong collaboration between various health services sectors
• Existing national coordinating bodies should expand their role to include pandemic influenza
• Improving the capacity of surveillance systems to detect cases and ensure a rapid response
• Develop strategies for the rapid communication of information to the public and the media.

The report states that in Africa, activities that can be undertaken by individuals and communities to reduce the risk of infection or slow its spread may be the most powerful tools for reducing morbidity and mortality during a pandemic. Mechanisms need to be in place to communicate messages to the public via broadly accessible communication channels and in a culturally-appropriate language. Mass health promotion campaigns for other diseases in Africa may serve as models.

Other topics covered in the report include:

• About influenza pandemics
• Situation overview and pandemic risk assessment
• Risk assessment for Africa
• Vaccine research and development: Current status
• Antiviral drugs: Their role during a pandemic
• Non-pharmaceutical interventions: Their role in reducing transmission and spread
• World Health Organization (WHO) support for pandemic preparedness in Africa.

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