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pandemic situation; and the implementation of the
PAHO /Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
generic protocol of seasonal influenza surveillance
adopted by Argentina. All of the capacity-building strate-
gies and the implementation of surveillance, detection
and response mechanisms for seasonal, avian and
pandemic influenza planned up to 2011 are based on
this protocol.
There is also a plan of action to advance preparation
organized by priorities in the Influenza Pandemic Plan.
Priority activities are: technical cooperation, responsibil-
ities and execution dates. The most relevant subjects are:
explicit definition of functions and responsibilities of
people and organizations involved (POE) to take political
decisions; POE for human resources management during
the Ministry of the Interior with full participation of its dependent
organisms (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones, Dirección Nacional
de Protección Civil, Gendarmería Nacional Argentina, Prefectura
Naval Argentina, Policía Federal Argentina and Policía de Seguridad
Aeroportuaria). This guide supports other national organisms,
including AFIP, Dirección Nacional de Aduanas, Ministerio de
Salud, Dirección Nacional de Epidemiología; Dirección Nacional
de Sanidad de Fronteras, and SENASA.
During 2007, an important breakthrough came with the creation,
by Presidential Law number 644/2007, of the General Coordination
Unit of the Integral Plan for Influenza Pandemic Prevention. This
unit will be coordinated by the Ministry Cabinet Headquarters.
A further aspect of the current work is the update of procedures
for the acquisition and delivery of wild birds, poultry and human
samples; procedures for the disposal of corpses in an influenza
Influenza pandemic preparedness drills to date
Entre Rios, August 2005
Level:
Operational
Subject:
First Drill Field of avian influenza in birds
Organized by:
National Secretary for Animal Health, the National
Economy Ministry (SENASA) and the National Health Ministry.
Córdoba, December 2005
Level:
Operational
Subject:
Phase 6 – Overflow at the hospital, hospital procedure,
and primary health attention in CAPS Villa Angelelli. Evolution from
local avian influenza cases to phases 4-5.
Participants:
National and Provincial Health Ministries, Ministry of
the Interior, airport and international organizations.
The Influenza Pandemic Plan was tested, especially the first,
second and third triage in San Roque Hospital, Córdoba. This
involved the taking and sending of samples to NIC, Córdoba; H5N1
positive reporting; measures of infection control in emergency
rooms and emergency situations at the hospital; management of
resources for transfer of patients; resources for commitment at the
hospital, external consultant awareness protocols; treatment and
diagnostic services in CAPS, and domiciliary visits on the ground;
and information management.
Misiones, August 2006
Level:
Operational
Subject:
Phase 3-4 – Passengers in a severe state and others with
symptoms in a commercial aeroplane arriving at Iguazu Airport,
from a country in phase 4; contact control with every passenger;
and hospital overflow.
Participants:
National and Provincial Health Ministries, Ministry of
the Interior, airport and international organizations.
The Influenza Pandemic Plan was tested, especially triage on the
passenger aeroplane; management of passengers affected at the
airport; migration procedures; management of resources for
transfer of patients; resources for commitment at the hospital;
intensive therapy unit attention protocols; control of hospital
infections; and information management.
Mendoza, September 2006
Level:
Operational
Subject:
Phase 5 – Passenger transport from a limited country with
people from Southeast Asia (phase 5); hospital overflow; intensive
therapy unit attention protocols.
Participants:
National and Provincial Health Ministries, Ministry of
the Interior, airport and international organizations.
The Influenza Pandemic Plan was tested, especially the
management of resources for patient transfer; resources for
commitment at the hospital; intensive therapy unit attention
protocols; the control of hospital infections; and information
management.
San Juan, November 2006
Level:
Operational
Subject:
Phase 5 – Passenger transport from a limited country with
people from Southeast Asia (phase 5); hospital overflow; hospital
procedure; isolation cell; disinfection of ambulances; and personal
biosecurity.
Participants:
National and Provincial Health Ministries, Ministry of
the Interior, airport and international organizations.
The Influenza Pandemic Plan was tested, especially hospital
procedure; hospital infection control; coordination with security
forces; management of resources for patient transferral; resources
for commitment at the hospital; and information management.
Buenos Aires, November 2008
Level:
National Strategic
Subject:
Phase 6 – Limitation of countries; Paraguay and Brazil in
phase 6; beginning of phase 6 in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina; and
pandemic diffusion.
Participants:
A ‘solitarity exercise’ in conjunction with the
Argentinean and Chilean armed forces.