Influenza pandemic preparedness plan in Liguria, Italy: a valuable tool for Public Health.
Creators: name: Amicizia, Daniela
name: Schenone, Irene
name: Sticchi, Camilla
name: Grammatico, Federico
name: Astengo, Matteo
name: Battaglini, Alberto
name: Marchini, Francesca
name: Ruffoni, Silvano
name: Andreoli, Giovanni Battista
name: Ansaldi, Filippo
Publisher: name: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
Year: 2024
Subjects: Influenza
epidemiological surveillance
pandemic preparedness
influenza pandemic plan
Pandemic preparedness

description: Influenza, with its potential for severe global pandemics, remains a significant Public Health concern. Pandemic preparedness, tailored to infectious diseases emergencies, encompasses activities aimed at minimizing risks and mitigating impacts during public health emergencies, irrespective of the event's scale—be it local, regional, national, or international.


Within the broader context of global efforts to enhance resilience against infectious diseases, the World Health Organization's directive for member countries to formulate pandemic response plans prompted Italy to institute the National Strategic-Operational Plan for Pandemic Influenza (PanFlu) 2021-2023. The PanFlu takes a comprehensive approach, outlining various operational dimensions and key actions to be implemented over three years. Special emphasis is placed on the roles and responsibilities of the National Health Service in safeguarding the population, healthcare workers, essential services, and economic activities. Italian regions were tasked with contextualizing this national document to develop their regional influenza pandemic plans.


In 2021 Liguria developed its operational document, addressing the specific needs and characteristics of the region. Incorporating insights from the 2009 influenza and COVID-19 pandemics, the Ligurian plan embraces a dynamic and flexible strategy. It focuses on strengthening emergency structures, safeguarding the regional health system during seasonal influenza, and conducting risk-benefit analyses of public health measures. Notably, the plan places a high priority on epidemiological surveillance of influenza syndrome cases, implementing effective control measures, and optimizing the regional health system and governance mechanisms to ensure swift responses to seasonal influenza. Emphasizing the significance of integrated and coordinated responses, the plan provides comprehensive guidance on the roles and responsibilities of various health sectors.


To evaluate the plan's effectiveness and refine protocols, a recent national simulation exercise (named "Mosaico") marked a significant milestone. This exercise involved the participation of all Italian regions, signifying a collaborative effort towards future implementation and improvement.


In conclusion, the Ligurian Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan represents a proactive and adaptable model for public health resilience. The need for a continuous preparedness cycle, global collaboration in surveillance, and strategic planning are pivotal to address the multifaceted challenges posed by potential pandemics.
description: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol. 65 No. 2 (2024):