Human Preparedness to Pandemics 

Partner: International Federation of the Red Cross/Red Crescent

Each century two to three influenza pandemics strike in the world. The last pandemic occurred in the 60s and experts agree that the next one will strike in the next ten years. 

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) saw the huge potential in adapting the AIDS Competence Process to the issue of Human Preparedness to Pandemics. The experience of the Constellation points out that success and behavioural change can be achieved when communities take ownership of a certain threat or issue, whether this is HIV, malaria or preparedness for an influenza pandemic.

In May 2008, a variety of experts of the IFRC, NGOs and academics adapted the AIDS Competence self-assessment to Human Preparedness to Pandemics with the support of Constellation coaches.

In February 2009, the Constellation piloted the Competence Approach on H2P in two local communities in Liberia. The community members participated fully in the process. They were informed about the Human Influenza Pandemic, discussed concerns, fears, aspirations and dreams on H2P in groups, developed practices to reach their dream and assessed their own situation. 

Example of concerns, leading to practices, included: 
1. Health Care (CARE) 
2. Water and Sanitation (PROTECT) 
3. Support/Togetherness (CONNECT) 
4. Information/Education/Training/Awareness(LEARN) 

When facilitators asked the Liberian National Red Cross about the relevance of process, the Disaster Management Director, Mr. Ambullai Perry, said: “the issue of Health and Life Competence is very relevant to our programme. We want community-driven and ownership of response. This process will complement our operations. When the H2P was introduced to Maryland community without the use of this process sometime ago, the communities were asking for what Red Cross will be doing and what is Red Cross expecting from them. This is contrary to the successes of the Health and Life Competence process that happened this week”. 

The Liberia Red Cross staff and volunteers acknowledged that the self assessment approach is distinctive because it stimulates local ownership via action, self measurement of progress and transfer of response to other communities.