Pandemic Preparedness
The World Health Organisation (WHO) officially raised the spread of H1N1 influenza (commonly called Swine Flu) to pandemic level Phase 6, the highest possible, on June 11, 2009. The WHO has since stated that the Pandemic can no longer be contained. Expert estimates suggest that 40% of the world population will be infected eventually.
Although H1N1 symptoms are currently relatively mild, this is likely to raise a false sense of security and encourage complacency. A mutation of the virus could significantly increase the mortality rate to, say, one in ten or even higher. If this were to happen, the effects on lives, business and the economy would be disastrous. Other viral pandemics are also certain to arise in the future and these may have a high mortality rate right from the start.
Having a robust Pandemic Preparedness Plan in place is not an option for the Board of any organisation that wishes to remain in business during and after a high mortality pandemic.