WHO/UNICEF Informal Discussion on Behavioural Interventions for the Next Influenza Pandemic

In December 2006, an informal discussion on behavioural interventions for the next influenza pandemic was held between the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand.

The meeting proposed key behaviours to lessen the impact of the next possible avian influenza human pandemic. The core priority behaviours included:

• Prepare now by knowing how to best prevent and treat pandemic influenza, develop good health habits, store essential household supplies for 1 month, and get a family health kit (that includes thermometer, anti-fever medication, spare supplies for 1 month’s spare supply of essential medicines and contraceptives).
• To reduce transmission follow Flu-WISE behaviours from now and during the pandemic:
  
  Wash: wash hands often, clean surfaces.
  
  Inform yourself and others about influenza and maintain good health habits.
  
  Stay apart: try to keep a distance of more than one metre away from others,
  especially if sick. Stay at home as much as possible, avoid public gatherings and
  avoid travel.
  
  Etiquette: cover coughs and sneezes (mask, tissue or elbow, but not hands);
  don’t spit in public.
• To reduce mortality follow Flu-CARE behaviours
  during the pandemic:
  
  Care for the patient at home;
  
  Assess and improve your knowledge on how to care for
  yourself and others;
  
  Rest as soon as symptoms develop, seek health advice,
  and stay home;
  
  Evaluate for danger signs and act in accordance with the
  latest information.

The meeting also affirmed compliance with public health messages as an overall priority in lessening the impact of a pandemic; this involves building trust in the people who provide public health information.

Click here to access the resource in PDF format.

Publisher: UNICEF, WHO

Date of publication: December 2006

Number of pages: 4

Language: English