CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON INFLUENZA STATUS IN PAKISTAN : CURRENT POLICY, CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Ali Ahmeda, Muhammad Saqlainb c d, Maria Tanveerb c d, Hussain Alib c d
- aDepartment of Pharmacy, Quaid I Azam University Islamabad
- bNursing Student , College of Nursing , Ziauddin University , Karachi
- c1Dean / Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Ziauddin University, Karachi 2Assistant Professor, Institute of Nursing
- dDow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 3Nursing Instructor, College of Nursing, Ziauddin University, Karachi 4Nursing Instructor, Liaquat College of Nursing, Liaquat National Hospital. Karachi
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Abstract
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.