Rojee Rajbanshi

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-30-2010

Abstract

The research was conducted to analyze the activities implemented by the Government of Nepal to deal with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. The basis of the analysis was the National Avian Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NAIPPRP). This plan was compared to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and the United States preparation plans. The H1N1 situation in Nepal, between 2009 April to 2010 March, was analyzed considering the countrys profile on the basis of data available online and document provided by WHO-Nepal. The first reported outbreak of H1N1 occurred in Mexico in early April 2009 and soon spread to the United States (US), and then globally. In the US, the outbreak occurred primarily in the border-states. The Government immediately took necessary steps to mitigate the effect in all the states preparing the country for the next pandemic wave. However, Nepal with capacity constraint, few financial resources, low manpower and limited technology, political instability has undergone challenges to implement a plan. Issues such as an under-developed health care system, the topography of the country, economic remoteness, difficulties in enhancing literacy among the female and rural populations, conservative social custom and traditions and lack of central planning and administration has contributed to the implementation problems. The Avian Influenza Control Project (AICP) has made an endeavored to improve and implement mitigation measures to deal with the H1N1. However due to existing challenges; country's associated constraints and uncertainty in the development of the health care system, the capability and effectiveness of the diagnostic laboratory, National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and the surveillance measures implemented, issues following the mitigation measures applied remains. Transparency to gain public confidence and assure the citizens of their safety and capability enhancement in the health sector is necessary.'

Language

English

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