South-East Asia Bolsters Pandemic Influenza Preparedness, Faces Funding Challenges
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Despite uneven progress, nine nations in the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) are actively strengthening their defenses against influenza, aligning with global strategies to mitigate the threat of future pandemics.
Influenza remains a persistent global health challenge, demanding continuous vigilance and proactive measures. In response,countries across SEAR – excluding Thailand – are implementing the third phase of the High-Level Implementation Plan (HLIP III,2024-2030),a framework guided by the PIP Framework and the WHO’s global Influenza Strategy 2019-2030,to fortify core capacities for pandemic influenza readiness. A recent annual review meeting served as a crucial platform to assess progress and chart a course for the coming years.
Assessing Regional Progress and Persistent Bottlenecks
Implementation of HLIP III across the region has averaged approximately 60% completion, with significant investments channeled through the PIP PC fund. These investments have demonstrably improved diagnostic capabilities, broadened participation in the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), and refined national pandemic plans to reflect current risk assessments and lessons learned from recent public health crises.
The 2025 review highlighted key achievements, including the advancement of updated national pandemic preparedness plans, the execution of simulation exercises to test response capabilities, and the integration of genomic sequencing into existing influenza surveillance networks. Though, a senior official stated that securing sustainable financing, retaining a skilled workforce, and improving cross-sectoral coordination remain significant hurdles.
WHO Leadership and Collaborative Efforts
Jennifer Barragan Fromme, Team Leader for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness at WHO headquarters, presented a global overview of PIP PC implementation and outlined operational planning for the next biennium.During plenary sessions, the PIP Secretariat at WHO Headquarters and SEARO detailed the operational framework of HLIP-III, shared updates on monitoring and evaluation indicators, and reviewed the financial status of the program. Participants engaged in robust discussions about opportunities to enhance implementation and address existing challenges.
Over two days, representatives from all nine PIP PC recipient Member States shared country-specific progress, challenges, and strategies for strengthening pandemic influenza preparedness.Sessions also addressed broader workplans focused on regulatory readiness, community protection, and the deployment of countermeasures. Expert presentations on influenza surveillance, seasonal vaccine initiatives, and UNITY studies fostered knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices.
Dr. Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe, Programme Area Manager at IHM/WHE/SEARO, presented insights into the evolving landscape of managing influenza and other pathogens, outlining overall challenges and potential solutions. Similarly, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, chair of the PIP Advisory Group, and other AG members from the South-East Asia region shared region-specific recommendations to further strengthen influenza preparedness, emphasizing the critical need to maintain core influenza surveillance activities.
Key recommendations for Enhanced Preparedness
Based on the discussions and lessons learned during the review, Member States have agreed on a set of priorities to strengthen pandemic influenza preparedness across SEAR:
- Integrate preparedness into broader health frameworks: Embed influenza and other respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness within national health systems, ensuring sustainable financing, maintaining essential minimum surveillance, and aligning PIP PC investments with national priorities to maximize impact and sustain gains.
- Leverage evidence and technical expertise: Generate high-quality, context-specific data, including burden of disease estimates, to inform vaccination strategies, other interventions, and preparedness and response policies. Expand collaboration with WHO Collaborating Centres, academic institutions, and research networks to strengthen technical capacity and validate laboratory assays.
- Enhance regional collaboration and knowledge sharing: Document and disseminate impact stories, participate in UNITY studies, and share lessons learned through regional platforms to strengthen advocacy, political commitment, and pandemic preparedness across SEAR.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from SEAR to sustain gains and enhance pandemic readiness, not only for influenza but also for other emerging respiratory threats.
