What is New Zealand doing to prepare for an influenza pandemic?
New Zealand has been planning for this for some years. The Ministry of Health has a national pandemic plan which is continually being updated in line with WHO recommendations. (see: link) District Health Boards have local plans too. All other Government agencies are also planning for a pandemic. An intersectoral group is considering non-health issues that are directly affected by a pandemic, such as school closures, border management and the maintenance of critical infrastructure, including supply of food and water and law and order. The New Zealand Government, following the advice of the WHO, is stockpiling anti-viral medicine (Tamiflu) suitable for use against influenza viruses. By the end of 2005 there will be enough anti-viral medicine to treat about 21 percent of the population. The Ministry of Health has set up a Pandemic Influenza Technical Advisory Group (PITAG), which advises the Ministry on the international situation and provides recommendations on the appropriate nature of
