 | Description: Introduction to influenza: covers basics of virology, seasonal, avian and pandemic influenza Abstract: The learning objectives are 1) describe the characteristics of influenza infection in humans; 2) understand different types of influenza viruses and how they can infect humans and animals; 3) describe the ways that influenza viruses can change or mutate. | |
 | Pages: 46; Description: This report outlines methods for assessing gender and sex-related factors in the spread and occurrence of infectious disease outbreaks. Abstract: This paper presents a gender perspective on outbreaks of epidemic-prone infectious diseases. It discusses evidence of differences in the infectious disease process between males and females, and aims to show how, by taking such differences between men and women into account, it is possible to improve the understanding of the epidemiology and the clinical course and outcome of diseases, aid in their detection and treatment, and increase public participation in and the effectiveness of prevention and control activities. | |
 | Description: Lecture on outbreak investigation Abstract: The learning objectives are to 1) understand the purpose for investigating animal influenza outbreaks in humans; 2) understand the key steps of the investigation: pre-investigation planning, determine who/when/where/why/how, conclusions and challenges. | |
 | Pages: 2; Description: This is a one page example of treatment protocol Abstract: This sample treatment protocol designed to be used by community health workers (CHW) as they are conducting health education sessions within their communities. | |
 | Pages: 182; Description: The book strengthens education and research in public health. Abstract: The book provides an introduction to the basic principles and methods of epidemiology. It is intended for a wide audience, including professionals in the health and environment field involved in in-service training courses, undergraduate medical students and students in other health professions. | |
 | Pages: 96; Description: Each summary contains the following: responsible institution; focal person; overall goals of the training; target audience and competencies; main topics included; format; language; length of training; certification if provided; evaluation modalities, countries where implemented, summary of evaluation results and successes and challenges. Abstract: This compendium aims to provide a wide ranging inventory of material, tools and trainings developed by Influenza Training Network partners to, among others, raise awareness on pandemic influenza preparedness measures, community case management, infection prevention and control, laboratory, risk communication, surveillance and outbreak investigation. | |
 | Description: Pre-investigaiton and response planning; conducting the investigation and creating a report Abstract: The learning objectives are 1) describe when and how to prepare for the investigation of suspected human H5N1 cases; 2) illuminate the objectives of outbreak investigation of suspected, probable, or confirmed H5N1 cases; 3) outline the mechanics of an outbreak investigation of suspected, probable, or confirmed H5N1 cases; 4) describe how to analyze and communicate findings from case investigations. | |
 | Pages: 60; Description: Presentation: this case study provides a step-by-step understanding of how to investigate outbreaks of H5N1 in humans in an international setting. Abstract: The learning objectives are 1) describe key outbreak management issues that need to be addressed; 2) list appropriate practices and procedures related to investigation of H5N1 in humans; 3) identify critical coordination priorities and communication processes. | |
 | Pages: 50; Description: This report outlines activities that can be undertaken to anticipate and address the possible impact of climate change on communicable diseases. Abstract: This handbook is intended to be a resource to encourage planning activities that anticipate and address the possible impact of climate change on communicable disease spread. Informed by current climate change science, particularly as it relates to communicable disease spread, this handbook suggests various processes and important points for consideration when conducting vulnerability assessments and developing adaptation strategies for climate change. | |
 | Description: Captures basics of WHO recommendations on clinical management of patients with the new A (H1N1) virus infection | |
 | Pages: 40; Description: The flip book contains images of the ten key messages to share with the community related to influenza. Abstract: This flip book is designed to be used by community health workers (CHW) as they are conducting health education sessions within their communities. CHWs will become familiar with this flip book and its contents, and have the opportunity to practise using it during their training. | |
 | Pages: 37; Description: The document contains the following: Introduction; Influenza outbreaks and impact on communities; Key interventions and messages for the prevention and control of an influenza outbreak in the community and the home; Assessment and treatment of diseases in the community and the home; Community health education and social mobilization; Protection of the community health worker; A framework for monitoring and reporting of influenza outbreak preparedness and response activities. Abstract: The community is often the first responder in emergencies, including those caused by disease outbreaks. Community health workers (CHWs) can be the front-line health workers during an outbreak of communicable disease or other emergencies, alleviating the strain and demand on health-care workers in hospitals, clinics and other institutions when the health system is overwhelmed or disrupted. CHWs can also improve access to prevention and treatment of epidemic diseases and other common illnesses, and have close links to the community for implementing public health programmes and ensuring community participation. These training materials have been developed specifically for CHWs to ensure that they are ready to provide health services to communities in conjunction with home-based and other levels of care. | |
 | Pages: 93; Description: The document contains the following: Introduction including instruction on how to conduct the training; Influenza outbreaks and impact on communities; Key interventions and messages for the prevention and control of an influenza outbreak in the community and the home; Assessment and treatment of diseases in the community and the home; Community health education and social mobilization; Protection of the community health worker; A framework for monitoring and reporting of influenza outbreak preparedness and response activities. Abstract: The community is often the first responder in emergencies, including those caused by disease outbreaks. Community health workers (CHWs) can be the front-line health workers during an outbreak of communicable disease or other emergencies, alleviating the strain and demand on health-care workers in hospitals, clinics and other institutions when the health system is overwhelmed or disrupted. CHWs can also improve access to prevention and treatment of epidemic diseases and other common illnesses, and have close links to the community for implementing public health programmes and ensuring community participation.
These training materials have been developed specifically for CHWs to ensure that they are ready to provide health services to communities in conjunction with home-based and other levels of care. | |
 | Pages: 64; Description: One hundred and forty two plans were sourced and 119 were analyzed in this study, indicating that the majority of Member States have made significant progress towards pandemic preparedness planning. An assessment tool based on the 2005 WHO Checklist for Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Planning was used to extract essential information from national preparedness plans. Abstract: This study evaluated publicly available national pandemic preparedness plans and determined national and regional states of preparedness at the start of the influenza A(H1N1) 2009 pandemic according to the five functional components in the WHO pandemic preparedness and response guidance: planning and coordination, situation monitoring and assessment, prevention and containment, health system response and communication. The outcome of the evaluation describes the level of preparedness related to these five components stratified by WHO region. | |
 | Pages: 326; Description: The training course requires 35-hours (5 days) of direct contact with facilitators. The course will enable facilitators to deliver appropriate professional training programmes and strategies for the prevention and control of human seasonal influenza. Abstract: The course contains 10 modules which can be delivered in a modular format or as a discrete course. Contents are: 1) introduction to the programme; 2) human seasonal influenza programme planning; 3) surveillance systems and epidemiological studies; 4) laboratory issues; 5) human seasonal influenza policy; 6) vaccination; 7) targeting priority groups; 8) communication; 9) evaluation and research of seasonal human influenza; and 10) action planning. | |
 | Pages: 44; Description: This workbook contains resources for advanced reading of participants to complement the 35-hour face to face session. Abstract: The content of the workbook equates to a minimum of six hours learning activity per module. The workbook consists of referenced materials, podcasts, web-links and related activities and questions. The references and other materials contained in this pre-programme workbook have not been systematically reviewed. They have been included to support the course content and primarily use WHO, and ECDC sources for reference. The workbook has been developed to ensure that all participants, whether undertaking individual modules or the complete programme, arrive fully prepared to participate and share their expertise, experience and practice for the benefit of the whole group. | |
 | Description: The presentation provides an overview of the current situation (6 august 2009), describes the epidemiology and characteristics of the pandemic H1N1 2009 and the surveillance recommendations. | |
 | Pages: 31; Abstract: The document describes highlights in the evolution of pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 from April 2009 to March 2010. | |
 | Pages: 38; Description: Facilitator's guide: this case study provides a step-by-step understanding of how to investigate outbreaks of H5N1 in humans in an international setting. Abstract: The learning objectives are 1) describe key outbreak management issues that need to be addressed; 2) list appropriate practices and procedures related to investigation of H5N1 in humans; 3) identify critical coordination priorities and communication processes. | |
 | Pages: 29; Description: Facilitator's guide: this case study provides a step-by-step understanding of how to investigate outbreaks of H5N1 in humans in an international setting. Abstract: The learning objectives are 1) describe key outbreak management issues that need to be addressed; 2) list appropriate practices and procedures related to investigation of H5N1 in humans; 3) identify critical coordination priorities and communication processes. | |
 | Pages: 21; Description: Facilitator's guide: this case study provides a step-by-step understanding of how to establish surveillance for influenza in international setting that meets the objective of routine and novel virus case detection. Abstract: The learning objectives are 1) define the surveillance objectives, methods of hospital selection, and key data collection priorities; 2) list appropriate surveillance strategies and trigger criteria; 3) list appropriate surveillance strategies and trigger criteria needed for a broader pandemic early warning system; 4) describe how a sentinel site surveillance system for influenza provides an important support function for a pandemic early warning system; 5) identify five ways to enhance human avian and pandemic influenza surveillance activities in areas where there are known influenza A(H5N1) outbreaks in poultry. | |
 | Pages: 1; Description: The flowchart aids in the decision making process for school closure during pandemic influenza outbreaks. Abstract: The flowchart provides different thresholds for action depending on the type of school: conventional school, special school and nurseries. | |
 | Description: Interactive presentation including group work on different types of influenza virus. Abstract: The presentation is the basis for Interactive group work/discussion during which the participants discuss and will be able to explain the difference between seasonal, animal and pandemic influenza. Related documents: Interactive Session on Basic Influenza Issues - Facilitators Explanation | |
 | Description: Successful containment or control of pandemic influenza will rely on early recognition of sustained human-to-human transmission which requires a system for outbreak detection, rapid data collection, analysis, assessment and timely reporting. Early detection of the start of a pandemic is crucial to rapidly implement measures to stop the pandemic at its source and to prevent millions of deaths, social disruption and economic loss. As part of national pandemic preparedness planning each country should prepare for enhanced surveillance to (i) detect the emergence of the new disease, (ii) characterize the disease (epidemiology, clinical manifestations, severity) and (iii) monitor its evolution. | |
 | Description: The guidance identifies a minimum set of data that can feasibly be collected in all settings, thereby allowing all Member States to participate in the global surveillance effort while collecting useful information to guie their own national control efforts. | |
 | Pages: 61; Description: The "Surveillance systems and epidemiological studies" module is the third of the ten modules contained in the training course on "Development of programmes for prevention and control of seasonal influenza". Abstract: At the end of this module, participants should be able to: a) Surveillance systems; 1) critically analyse rationale for utilising methods of surveillance and monitoring for Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) in a given population; 2) critically debate the use of surveillance systems including data and statistical models to estimate the burden of HSI disease; 3) evaluate the context and impact of HSI disease in primary, secondary care and laboratory based settings; 4) evaluate the context and impact of HSI disease in laboratory based settings; b) Epidemiological data and studies: 1) utilise epidemiological data to plan and implement programmes for the prevention and control of HSI; 2) apply principles of data collection and analysis in the conduct of epidemiological studies; 3) consolidate critical appraisal skills in relation to epidemiological studies and the process of validation. | |
 | Pages: 35; Description: The "Targeting priority groups" module is the seventh of the ten modules contained in the training course on "Development of programmes for prevention and control of seasonal influenza". Abstract: At the end of this session participants should be able to: 1) critically appraise the criteria for defining target and risk groups; 2) debate the impact of inequalities when planning the programmes for control and prevention for HSI; 3) critically analyse the different strategies required when designing/redesigning HSI vaccine programmes across the lifespan. | |
 | Description: Sentinel surveillance for seasonal influenza and other respiratory diseases, building early warning systems for novel and pandemic respiratory viruses Abstract: The learning objectives are: 1) describe distinctions between seasonal, avian, and pandemic influenza surveillance; 2) describe seasonal influenza surveillance as a framework for pandemic influenza surveillance; 3) describe standard case definitions for surveillance; 4) describe epidemiologic data collection elements; 5) describe ways to enhance local surveillance following a poultry outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or following identification of human cases of influenza A (H5N1) virus infection. | |
 | Pages: 166; Description: The slide sets are divided into seven parts: a) Introduction, b) Design and setup of sentinel surveillance system, c) mechanics of sentinel surveillance I, d) mechanics of sentinel surveillance II, e) Data, f) Appendix A: Advanced laboratory concepts, g) Appendix B: Advanced epidemiology concepts. Abstract: This is a training course on influenza sentinel surveillance for respiratory diseases. | |
 | Description: Document explaining an interactive session on general influenza issues Abstract: The document explains how to carry out the interactive session on general influenza issues. The objective of the interactive session is for participants to know and be able to explain the difference between seasonal, animal and pandemic influenza. Related documents: General Issues of Influenza - An Interactive Session | |
 | Pages: 52; Description: The guideline describes the steps to directly and indirectly measure
influenza disease burden. Abstract: The guideline provides information on how to conduct epidemiological studies
on influenza disease burden and to evaluate the clinical and economic burden of
disease in countries where there is little recognition of influenza and no
control policies are in place. | |
 | Pages: 40; Description: The guideline describes the steps needed to maximize the information for
action arising from virological and epidemiological influenza surveillance. Abstract: Improvements in national surveillance systems that facilitate the collection
and analysis of both virological and epidemiological data are essential, in
order to provide a more complete understanding of the burden of influenza. Such
improvements also have the added benefit of increasing pandemic preparedness.
This guideline is designed to assist the Ministry of Health staff responsible
for establishing, operating and improving national influenza surveillance
systems. | |
 | Description: Lecture on team composition Abstract: The learning objectives are to 1) identify the team members; 2) define the roles and responsibilities of each team member; 3) know how to enhance coordination and communication among team membes; and 4) recognize the standards of ethical conduct for case investigations. | |
 | Pages: 12; Abstract: This report summarizes the chronology, epidemiology and virology of the winter influenza season in the northern hemisphere’s temperate regions, from October 2010 through the end of April 2011. The data presented have been derived primarily from reports published by national ministries of health and reported through FluNet. | |
 | Pages: 8; Description: The studies were designed to determine the prevalence of cross-reactive
antibodies to the pandemic influenza virus prior to its appearance and to estimate the proportion of the population that was infected. Abstract: In this review the methods and results of 9 studies of the seroprevalence of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus that have been published in peer-reviewed journals are examined, and the implications of such studies are discussed. These studies include data from 7 countries: China; China, Province of Taiwan; Finland; Germany; Singapore; the United Kingdom; and the United States of America. | |
 | Pages: 17; Abstract: The emergence of a novel strain of influenza virus A (H1N1) in April 2009 focused attention on influenza surveillance capabilities worldwide. In consultations before the 2009 outbreak of influenza subtype H1N1, the World Health Organization had concluded that the world was unprepared to respond to an influenza pandemic, due in part to inadequate global surveillance and response capacity. We describe a sentinel surveillance system that could enhance the quality of influenza epidemiologic and laboratory data and strengthen a country’s capacity for seasonal, novel, and pandemic influenza detection and prevention. Such a system would 1) provide data for a better understanding of the epidemiology and extent of seasonal influenza, 2) provide a platform for the study of other acute febrile respiratory illnesses, 3) provide virus isolates for the development of vaccines, 4) inform local pandemic planning and vaccine policy, 5) monitor influenza epidemics and pandemics, and 6) provide infrastructure for an early warning system for outbreaks of new virus subtypes. | |
 | Pages: 5; Description: This guideline describes the objectives and mechanisms for surveillance and reporting globally in the postpandemic period for A/(H1N1) 2009 pandemic. Abstract: The purpose of surveillance in the post/pandemic period is to provide information that will enable timely epidemic or pandemic detection, inform health policy decisions and influenza management strategies, and guide influenza vaccine development and prioritization. This guideline describes the objectives and mechanisms for surveillance and reporting globally. | |
 | Pages: 8; Abstract: Several countries that have experienced large epidemics caused by pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus have now shared their findings globally. These reports have been made publicly available through the web sites and official updates of ministries of health as well as through papers published in peer-reviewed literature. This report summarizes some of the key observations from selected countries regarding hospitalization rates, mortality rates and risk groups that may inform preparations being made for the winter influenza season in countries of the northern hemisphere. | |
 | Pages: 1; Description: The video describes the first human case of avian influenza A/H5N1 in Bali Province in Indonesia. Abstract: The video is intended to outline the steps associated with containing avian influenza A/H5N1 at the source. Community education and focal culling are presented as two mechanisms to prevent further human infection in endemic areas. | |
 | Pages: 45; Abstract: The influenza pandemic of 2009 highlighted many areas of influenza surveillance that require strengthening, one of the most important being standardized data collection and reporting systems. To this end, WHO organized a global consultation to review influenza surveillance standards and the current data-sharing and reporting tools, with the goal of preparing a manual of global standards and improving the reporting tools. This report summarizes the discussions and recommendations of that consultation with regard to the influenza surveillance manual and the tools for global surveillance. | |
 | Description: Recommendations for monitoring spread of influenza Abstract: The WHO recommends enhanced surveillance for influenza A/H5 to ensure close global monitoring of the situation and coordination of the global response. As the epidemiological situation evolves, WHO will review these guidelines. | |
 | Description: Framework and approach for planning and conducting investigations of human cases of A(H5/N1) Abstract: The document reflects and incorporates the practical field experience gained by investigators working at international, national and sub-national levels during investigations of A(H5/N1). These guidelines provide essential information on how to conduct an investigation of human cases. They can assist in developing operational plans and procedures. | |
 | Pages: 144; Description: The documents contains the following: Introduction and scope of guidance; Case definitions; Selection and location of sentinel sites; Selection of sentinel SARI and ILI/ARI cases for respiratory specimen collection; Epidemiologic data collection; Data analysis and reports; Laboratory specimen processing; Roles and responsibilities in sentinel surveillance; Monitoring, review and evaluation of the surveillance system, annexes and references. Abstract: The surveillance system components described in this guidance are intended to provide a platform for the heath care service‐based sentinel surveillance of primary care/outpatient and hospitalized disease caused by influenza and possibly other respiratory pathogens. Case definitions of influenza‐like illness (ILI) and acute respiratory infection (ARI) are suggested for the surveillance of primary care/outpatient illness related to influenza and other respiratory pathogens. A case definition for severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) is provided as a standard to enumerate influenza infections leading
to hospitalization. This guidance is supported by examples of good practice, which are included throughout the document. | |