Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza

Minister's foreword

According to the World Health Organization, it is inevitable that the world will face another influenza pandemic. While there is no certainty about when the next one will occur, Australia must be prepared. An influenza pandemic could devastate a nation's health system and our health sector must be equipped to respond to minimise the impact on the health of all Australians and on the health system itself.

Australia's strategy to achieve these goals is outlined in this plan - the Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza (AHMPPI). The AHMPPI (2008) is a significant revision of the plan and outlines the measures that the health sector as a whole would consider taking in response to an influenza pandemic. This iteration of the national health plan is a significant step forward, and reflects a maturing of pandemic planning in Australia.

The AHMPPI (2008) demonstrates the Rudd Government's commitment to keeping Australia secure against potential threats. Its development has also embodied the Government's commitment of working closely with the states and territories.

The AHMPPI (2008) builds on the work and principles contained within previous pandemic plans and draws on major developments since the last plan was released in 2006. The assumptions about what the next pandemic might look like and the likely effectiveness of different interventions have been reviewed, and in some cases revised in light of new evidence. A process for continual review of these planning assumptions has been established to ensure that pandemic planning in Australia is evidence-based and in line with the latest advances.

The impact of a pandemic on our society is uncertain and for this reason the plan incorporates a high level of flexibility and presents a framework that allows for tailored responses appropriate to the severity of any pandemic and the availability of resources.

The AHMPPI (2008) also contains a new focus on sustaining the health system if a pandemic is widespread in Australia. This has been made possible due to developments in many areas including:

• increased availability of antiviral medication
• increased confidence in vaccine technology and availability of a pandemic vaccine
• the inclusion of H5N1 avian influenza vaccines in the National Medical Stockpile
• a better understanding of how to combine different control measures.

The plan will continue to be updated as new clinical evidence or other prevention and management strategies are developed. While there has been significant work in Australia to prepare for an influenza pandemic, we must continue with our preparations. This plan provides the guidance and leadership we need to make sure we are as best prepared as possible to deal with an influenza pandemic.


The Hon Nicola Roxon MP Minister for Health and Ageing

December 2008

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This information is current for 03 September, 2010
This information was issued on 05 December, 2008