Recently, there have been qualms over the spread of Avian Flu among the local nationals in Okiwan. Avian Flu is a communicable disease that is commonly associated with birds, though it frequently develops other strains that human beings are not immune to(Capua et al., 2002; Lin et al., 2000; Stegeman et al., 2004; Tweed et al, 2004). So far, 238 cases of human infection by H5N1 have been established in 10 countries, with the largest numbers of infection being found in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam (Fouchier et al., 2004, Li et al., 2004; Peiris et al., 1999; Tran et al., 2004; Ungchusak, 2005; Yuen et al., 1998).
More than half of the established human cases have resulted to death of infected persons (Kurtz et al., 1996; Puzelliet al., 2005; Webster et al., 1981). The military officials have been identified as a group that is highly at risk of contacting the virus. Thus, a review of the steps that the local and military officials are taking in preventing avian flu is essential.
So as to discuss this topic, I shall discuss; the issues that should be addressed in emergency management by use of examples; the steps that the local and military officials in Okiwan are taking; and make a conclusion that summarizes the key points discussed. I shall also give a final statement of opinion in the conclusion part.
There are three issues that must be considered while planning emergency management. These include: preparedness and communication; surveillance and detection; and response and containment (Liem & Lim, 2005)
Issue #1: Preparedness and Communication
This should entail:
- Planning for the virulent disease.
- Communicating duties and roles.
- Making and storing antiviral drugs, vaccines and other medical tools.
- Instituting distribution tactics for antiviral drugs and vaccines
- Promoting technological knowledge together with developing countermeasures.
All government ranks, divisions of society and persons should be well set and there duties communicated.
Issue #2: Surveillance and Detection
This is done through the national and international organizations that offer progressive situational alertness with the aim of giving the earliest possible warning signs of disease outbreak, so as to guard the residents (Koopmans, 2004). These organizations do the following:
- Ensure fast disclosure of outbreaks and global transparence.
- Make use of surveillance in controlling the outbreak.
Issue #3: Response and Containment
These comprise of activities that control the spread of the disease amid humans and lessen the economic, social and security impacts of the disease. They include:
- Controlling outbreaks.
- Maintaining the economy.
- Ensuring effectual risk awareness.
- Seeking state medical and public health flow capacity.
Strategies/Recommendations in Regard to Okiwan
Issue #1: Preparedness and Communications
- Residents and non residents will be educated on the threats of the disease.
- Proposals and directions for immunizations and the allotment of anti-viral drugs have been developed.
- Planning and management actions have been extended to other departments such as the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Agriculture.
- The military officials have instituted a medical watch board that is accessible on the web, so as to offer the most recent information on the disease.
- The military officials are coordinating directly with the DHHS so as to acquire influenza vaccine.
- The officials are endeavoring to attain dependable sources of medical supply on stuff such as special protective tools
Since the disease will impact the personnel, it is vital that the local and military officials center planning efforts on the impending impact of an influenza endemic on its workers and the capacity to continue with crucial roles.
Issue #2: Surveillance and Detection
- The local and military officials are constantly performing influenza surveillance in laboratories.
- Policies have been constructed so as to enable detection means in the lowest stage.
- Information mechanisms that are capable of tracing outbreak of the ailment in recruited forces have been put in place.
Issue #3: Response and Containment.
- The local and military officials have laid down policies that are aimed at controlling the spread of the disease and lessening the economic, health, security, and communal impacts. Such policies include: clinical policies regarding the diagnosis, cure, and management of patients who have contracted the disease or those exposed to the virus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no need for Okiwan residents to remain worried since the local and military officials have laid down adequate strategies to prevent the spread of the disease to the local nationals.
Definite proposals and directions for immunizations and the allotment of anti-viral drugs have been developed. Policies have been constructed so as to enable detection means in the lowest stage. Finally, the local and military officials have laid down policies that are aimed at controlling the spread of the disease and lessening the economic, health, security, and communal impacts.
References
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