A draft preparedness plan has been composed outlining a clear command and response co-ordination structure for any influenza outbreak, catering for three different response levels. The plan to increase the antiviral stockpile is also being explored in the advent of the winter influenza peak season.

Under the plan, the Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food will activate ´alert´, ´serious´ or ´emergency´ response levels upon the advice of Directors of Health or Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation.

At the alert response level, where there is highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks in the poultry population or human cases outside Hong Kong, a simplified emergency response command structure will be launched. The Health, Welfare & Food Bureau, Department of Health, Hospital Authority, Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department and Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will assess the nature and levels of risk.

Chief Executive to steer response

At the serious level, where there is highly pathogenic avian flu cases among the local poultry population or where there is human cases without evidence of efficient human-to-human transmission, a steering committee chaired by the Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food will be set up to steer responses.

It will be chaired by the Chief Executive when the emergency response level is activated. Scenarios include where there is evidence confirming efficient human-to-human transmission of novel influenza occurring overseas or locally, or where there is a pandemic influenza declared by the World Health Organisation.

According to the WHO, activities for responding to an influenza pandemic should include surveillance, investigation and control, laboratory support, infection control, provision of essential medical services, antiviral stockpiling, vaccination, port health measures and communication.

The response and strategies will be reviewed and revised according to the latest developments to ensure the most efficient use of health resources.

The Legislative Council Panel on Health Services will discuss the proposals next week.