Table 1.

Guiding principles for development and implementation of the national inventory of core capabilities for pandemic influenza preparedness and response

• The National Inventory is based on the best available evidence and practice-wisdom relevant to preparedness for, and response to, pandemic influenza.

• Data collected indicate composite progress in specific – not all – capabilities of preparedness and response relevant to pandemic influenza.

• Data collection should not impose unnecessary burden on participating countries or partner organizations.

• Progress from one level to the next demonstrates a meaningful improvement in public health function.

• Although all countries work to improve their level of preparedness, the objectives of all countries need not be identical.

• Full achievement of these capabilities does not guarantee that an emerging pandemic will be interrupted.