Situational awareness

This is critical to determine the current stage of pandemic, extent of spread, plan appropriate interventions, etc. Understandably, the level of situational awareness depends upon:

• The quality and nature of data available
• The frequency of data collection, processing and transmission to superiors
• The presence and design of surveillance system
• The extent of multi-sectoral cooperation and coordination
• The available resources (manpower, expertise, equipment, etc.)
• How the data is interpreted/ used, etc.

The mere presence of a robust surveillance system does not guarantee high situational awareness. Often, political leadership determines the response to a situation. No matter how good the system, a pandemic is likely to get out of control if the leadership

• ignores evidence of a pandemic;
• downplays the need to initiate appropriate interventions to contain the outbreak;
• delays critical interventions;
• denies resources required to mount an effective response;
• invests in unproven/ unscientific measures, etc.