2nd Pacific Avian and Pandemic Influenza Taskforce Meeting (PAPITaF)
Nadi, Fiji,
24–26 November 2008
Background information Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICT) are vulnerable to the introduction of Highly
Pathogenic Avian Influenza A/H5N1 primarily through the movement of people, migratory birds
and trade in live poultry and poultry products. In order to address the possible threat of an influenza
pandemic, PICTs need to have effective preparedness plans and the resources to implement them.
PICTs must also be prepared to respond to emerging diseases, in line with the International Health
Regulations.
The PAPITaF meeting is a regional forum to discuss the management and response by PICTs to
possible outbreaks of avian influenza, pandemic influenza or other emerging diseases.
Technical discussions for both animal health and human health representatives will be held
following the meeting of the Taskforce, and the objectives and agenda for these meetings will be
circulated at a later date.
Objectives The objectives of the second meeting of the Pacific Avian and Pandemic Influenza Taskforce were to: Report on progress of the recommendations of the first PAPITaF meeting (March 2007) Presentation of the Pacific Regional Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Project (PRIPPP) midterm review (MTR) report and responses Discuss revised management structures for PRIPPP monitoring and evaluation via a Project
Steering Group Discuss the current function and ongoing role of National Avian and Pandemic Influenza Task
Forces, and their sustainability. Provide a forum for discussion of policy review/development required to support such issues as travel restrictions (including border closure), regional travel arrangements, trade maintenance, restitution/compensation funding mechanisms, provision of antiviral therapy Discuss progress of the PRIPPP Small Grants Scheme Provide an update on progress of the SPC/WHO Memorandum of Understanding Provide a forum for discussion on harmonisation of various tools that indicate preparedness
status (International Health Regulations/Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases checklist, Centers for Disease Control checklist, PRIPPP checklist and related database Discuss further work on development of regional coordination and response for avian influenza and pandemic influenza events.
Most of the discussions around these objectives are expected to result in recommendations or, whenever feasible, in plans of action.
Contacts Ms Jennie Fischer
PRIPPP Coordinator
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
BP D5 98848 Noumea Cedex
New Caledonia (email: JennieF@spc.int) Josiane Everest
Project Assistant, PRIPPP
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
BP D5 98848 Noumea Cedex
New Caledonia (email: JosianeE@spc.int). |
