What is this site? 

Why did we make this site?

If there is an influenza or similar pandemic (a sudden global epidemic with a high infection rate and a high mortality rate), then many things will go wrong. This is mainly because many people will fall sick while others will stay home to avoid infection or care for their families (40 %?). Imagine running public buses without enough drivers. Imagine if the banks stopped working. Imagine if people, particularly poorer people, didn’t get paid. Imagine if the food supply dried up. To deal with this situation we need to be prepared. This map-based system is designed to help us all get ready, by helping us see what basic things we need to do ― and how ready we are to do them.

What is our methodology?

At the UN we are concerned about our own readiness, but also about the readiness of the countries we serve. To help prepare we have started with two lists of basic things that need to be done to be ready for a pandemic. One list is just for the UN and a second, more important list, is for the country as a whole.

An example in relation to the UN agencies working for and in a certain country: ‘Have UN staff members been provided with information on pandemic influenza and means to prepare themselves and their families in the last 6 months? Hint: Signs and symptoms of influenza, modes of transmission, and basic hygiene (e.g. hand washing)’.

Another example is a question covering a whole country: ‘Does the Government have an explicitly defined command and control structure for a pandemic response?

The questions can be answered ‘yes’ (Green), ‘partially’ (Yellow), or ‘no’ (Orange).

How do we get the data?

The initial data was taken from existing UN and national plans for preparing for an influenza pandemic. Most countries have such plans. The data is then strengthened at the country level by people who know the country. This is usually done through the UN AHI Focal Point.

How do we calculate the colours?

If most of the questions for a country are answered yes, then the country will be coloured green. If they are mostly no then it will be coloured orange. If you are in between your country will be coloured yellow. There is a separate map for the UN and for national preparedness. It is important to realise that being orange is not a bad thing. In fact, it may help you to get assistance to improve! A lot of countries just don’t have the resources they need to get ready and through this process assistance should go to the countries that need it most.

Can I see all the answers on the world map for just one question?

Yes. Just use the option ‘Select map per indicator’ on the home page.

Data can be changed by:

  1. PIC Staff (see Contacts on the Home Page)
  2. The head of the UN in the country (Resident Coordinator)
  3. United Nations Avian / Human Influenza Focal Point in the country
  4. Other persons designated by the Resident Coordinator or UNSIC/PIC

Data can be seen by:

This is currently a UN internal tool, and is not publicly accessible.