Training Course on Pandemic Response Mastery Training Course

Module 1: Foundations of Pandemic Preparedness and Response
Learning Objectives:
Understand the principles of pandemic preparedness.
Examine global health security frameworks.
Subtopics:
Historical perspectives on pandemics and lessons learned
WHO International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and global frameworks
National pandemic preparedness plans
Health system capacity and surge preparedness
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Lessons from the 1918 Influenza Pandemic and COVID-19
Exercise: Reviewing and critiquing a national preparedness plan

Module 2: Epidemiology and Surveillance in Pandemics
Learning Objectives:
Apply epidemiological tools for pandemic detection and monitoring.
Explore the role of data in guiding response.
Subtopics:
Surveillance systems for early detection
Epidemiological modeling and forecasting
Role of genomic surveillance in tracking variants
Data management, reporting, and decision-making
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Use of digital surveillance tools during COVID-19
Practical: Building an outbreak curve and interpreting epidemiological data

Module 3: Containment, Mitigation, and Healthcare Operations
Learning Objectives:
Design effective containment and mitigation strategies.
Ensure continuity of essential healthcare services.
Subtopics:
Quarantine, isolation, and contact tracing strategies
Healthcare operations during pandemics (triage, surge capacity)
Resource mobilization: PPE, ventilators, medicines, and vaccines
Protecting frontline health workers
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Contact tracing success in South Korea during COVID-19
Simulation: Designing a surge capacity plan for a regional hospital

Module 4: Risk Communication and Community Engagement
Learning Objectives:
Apply risk communication principles to build trust during pandemics.
Counter misinformation and disinformation.
Subtopics:
Principles of effective communication in health crises
Role of media and digital platforms
Addressing stigma and misinformation
Engaging communities in pandemic response
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Communication challenges during the H1N1 outbreak
Role-play: Delivering a press briefing on a pandemic outbreak

Module 5: Post-Pandemic Recovery and Resilience
Learning Objectives:
Develop recovery strategies for health systems.
Apply lessons learned to build future resilience.
Subtopics:
Post-pandemic recovery: rebuilding health systems
Addressing long-term social, economic, and health impacts
Mental health and psychosocial support for healthcare workers and communities
Strengthening systems for future pandemics
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Recovery and system strengthening after SARS in East Asia
Capstone Project: Developing a comprehensive pandemic response and recovery plan for participants’ organization