Checklist for Creating a Communication Strategy for Avian/Pandemic Influenza

This document, applicable to avian influenza or bird flu pandemic preparedness as well as other pandemic situations, presents a checklist of the tasks and indicators that should be met in producing a communication strategy for avian flu and pandemic influenza. It is organised as a column of tasks, a column with an indicator for each task, and blank checkboxes for "yes, no, or not applicable." It is divided into two sections, one for preparation for a pandemic, the other for the period of a declared pandemic. The overall objective for use of the checklist, as stated at the beginning of the document, is to develop a communication strategy and an accompanying action plan. The overall indicator of achieving the objective is a communication strategy written, approved, and aligned to a national pandemic preparedness plan.

Here is a sample of tasks and indicators included in the document:

• "Task: Ensure that a communications officer (or team) is part of the National Pandemic Influenza Planning Group. Indicators: Communication Officer is identified and named as part of senior pandemic planning group.
• Task: Assess current preparedness, including personnel, financial resources, equipment. Indicator: Needs assessed and plan provided for current readiness, gaps, and requirements (human and financial) .
• Task: Decide how to promptly deal with and respond to rumours. Indicators: Guidelines produced to monitor and proactively address rumours and to correct misperceptions."