Open AccessCRITICAL ANALYSIS ON INFLUENZA STATUS IN PAKISTAN : CURRENT POLICY, CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Author(s) -
Aziza Ahmed,
Muhammad Saqlain,
Maria Tanveer,
Hussain Ali
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
pakistan journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2226-7018
pISSN - 2225-0891
DOI - 10.32413/pjph.v9i1.203
Subject(s) - globe , public health , developing country , vaccination , population , environmental health , economic growth , business , health policy , pandemic , health care , medicine , covid-19 , virology , economics , nursing , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , ophthalmology
Influenza is a major public health issue across the globe and developing countries especially facing a threatening situation because of lack of effective policies and limited health care resources. Pakistan, a developing country, ranked 6th among populous countries of the globe with urban population share 40% where influenza virus spreads in early October of the year 2017 and its prevalent activity rises to a maximum by the end of the year. Influenza is endemic in Pakistan and affects all age groups. A major reason for unsuccessful planning and implementation of anti-influenza coverage programs is that current policies are not synchronized with the needs of the population. Effective surveillance network, ensuring sufficient vaccination supply and anti-viral medication corresponding to public needs are important steps to take.