The response to the Covid 19 pandemic is the responsibility of the current President,not past or future.
Whole of Society Approach is actually the outlined National Pandemic response. But, ya know, strike wherever you have to.
3.1.1. Government leadership
While all sectors of society are involved in pandemic preparedness and response, the national government is the natural leader for overall coordination and communication efforts. In its leadership role, the central government should:
- identify, appoint, and lead the coordinating body for pandemic preparedness and response; enact or modify legislation and policies required to sustain and optimize pandemic preparedness, capacity development, and response efforts across all sectors;
- prioritize and guide the allocation and targeting of resources to achieve the goals as outlined in a country's Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan;
- provide additional resources for national pandemic preparedness, capacity development, and response measures; and
- consider providing resources and technical assistance to countries experiencing outbreaks of influenza with pandemic potential.
3.1.2. Health sector
The health sector (including public health and both public and private health-care services), has a natural leadership and advocacy role in pandemic influenza preparedness and response efforts. In cooperation with other sectors and in support of national intersectoral leadership, the health sector must provide leadership and guidance on the actions needed, in addition to raising awareness of the risk and potential health consequences of an influenza pandemic. To fulfil this role, the health sector should be ready to:
- provide reliable information on the risk, severity, and progression of a pandemic and the effectiveness of interventions used during a pandemic;
- prioritize and continue the provision of health-care during an influenza pandemic;
- enact steps to reduce the spread of influenza in the community and in health-care facilities; and
- protect and support health-care workers during a pandemic.
3.1.3. Non-health sectors
In the absence of early and effective preparedness, societies may experience social and economic disruption, threats to the continuity of essential services, reduced production, distribution difficulties, and shortages of essential commodities. Disruption of organizations may also have an impact on other businesses and services. For example, if electrical or water services are disrupted or fail, the health sector will be unable to maintain normal care. The failure of businesses would add significantly to the eventual economic consequences of a pandemic. Some business sectors will be especially vulnerable and certain groups in society are likely to suffer more than others. Developing robust preparedness and business continuity plans may enable essential operations to continue during a pandemic and significantly mitigate economic and social impacts. In order to minimize the adverse effects of a pandemic, all sectors should:
- establish continuity policies to be implemented during a pandemic;
- plan for the likely impact on businesses, essential services, educational institutions, and other organizations;
- establish pandemic preparedness plans;
- develop capacity and plan for pandemic response;
- plan the allocation of resources to protect employees and customers;
- communicate with and educate employees on how to protect themselves and on measures that will be implemented; and
- contribute to cross-cutting planning and response efforts to support the continued functioning of the society.
3.1.4. Communities, individuals, and families
Civil society organizations, families, individuals, and traditional leaders all have essential roles to play in mitigating the effects of an influenza pandemic. Non-governmental groups should be involved in preparedness efforts and their expertise and capabilities harnessed to help communities prepare for and respond to a pandemic. The supporting document
‘Whole-of-society pandemic readiness’ explores the roles of each of these groups in greater detail.
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Civil society organizations
Groups that have a close and direct relationship with communities are often well placed to raise awareness, communicate accurate information, counter rumours, provide needed services, and liaise with the government during an emergency. Such groups should identify their strengths and potential roles and, in partnership with local governments and other local organizations, plan for the actions they will take during a pandemic. These groups may be able to augment the efforts of organizations in other sectors, such as hospitals or clinics. For example, if large numbers of ill people are being cared for at home, community and faith-based organizations could provide support to households.
Individuals and families
During a pandemic, it is important that households take measures to ensure they have access to accurate information, food, water, and medicines. For families, access to reliable information from sources such as WHO and local and national governments will be essential. Individuals, especially those who have recovered from pandemic influenza, may consider volunteering with an organized group to assist others in the community.
Because influenza is transmitted from one person to another, the adoption of individual and household measures such as covering coughs and sneezes, hand washing, and the voluntary isolation of persons with respiratory illness may prevent additional infections.
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