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 Pacific Island Pandemic Taskforce 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 were held following the meeting of the Pacific Island Preparedness Taskforce.
Objectives
The objectives of the first meeting of the Pacific Island Pandemic Taskforce were to: Agree formally on the composition and terms of reference for the Pacific Island Pandemic Taskforce. Provide an open forum for the discussion of PICT National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plans. Identify areas of the pandemic planning process for which PICTs require strategic support. Update PICTs on technical developments in the area of pandemic preparedness planning. Discuss pandemic influenza planning in the context of the new International Health Regulations and the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases. Discuss regional coordination to pandemic events. Provide expert advice and feedback to SPC on the planning, implementation and monitoring of the Pacific Regional Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Project.
More information is available in the meeting announcement.
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). | 
