Review of the Consolidated Action Plan for Contributions of the UN System and Partners (UNCAPAHI)

This report, produced by the United Nations System Influenza Coordination (UNSIC), examines the current strategies used by the UN system to control highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

 

The Review of the UNCAPAHI evolved out of the June 2007 meeting in Rome, where experts convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Aanimal Health (OIE), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) met to review the tactics used to control avian influenza and prepare for the next influenza pandemic.

 

The report pinpoints gaps in the current UN system response to avian flu and shows ways in which the gaps will be filled, sometimes through changes in the agencies' activities. For example, more attention will be given to pandemic preparedness by those who specialise in humanitarian action and by sectors other than health.

 

The report outlines the involvement of UN agencies and partners in the 7 objectives of the UNCAPAHI. The objectives include:

 

• Objective 1. Animal Health and Biosecurity
• Objective 2. Sustaining livelihoods
• Objective 3. Human Health
• Objective 4. Coordination of National, Regional and International Stakeholders
• Objective 5. Communication: Public Information and Supporting Behavior Change
• Objective 6. Continuity under Pandemic Conditions
• Objective 7. Humanitarian Common Services Support

 

 

According to the report, a specific challenge related to avian flu outbreaks is the economic incentives (e.g. loss of poultry) and lack of resources (e.g. water and soap) that prevent individuals from adopting the key behaviours necessary to reduce risks. The report highlights the need for more specific communication research to refine message content, and more assessments and technical support missions to improve the in-country communication capacity of concerned government ministries, especially Ministries of Agriculture.

 

The report also describes the first months of the new Central Fund for Influenza Action (CFIA) and provides an overview of the financial situation of the 13 agencies, funds, programmes, coordinating bodies, and partners who make up the Action Plan.