Pandemic Preparedness and Response (POPH90301)

This subject explores pandemic preparedness and response from a multidisciplinary perspective. Focusing on pandemic examples, including but not limited to: SARS, Zika, Swine and Avian Influenza, Ebola, HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, the subject provides students with an intersectoral framework through which to appraise a range of preparedness and response efforts across diverse global contexts. Students will learn how to conceptualise effective pandemic preparedness and response as stemming from the intersection of global systems including human and animal health, political, economic, cultural and environmental systems. A wide range of pandemic and country case studies are presented, with particular attention to equity and inclusion in terms of the diverse and specific needs of, and impacts on, varied populations. Applying an intersectional lens, the subject emphasises lessons learnt that can be translated into future and ongoing pandemic preparedness and responses, as well as highlighting unresolved issues. 

This dual delivery subject will be delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experts from Australia and around the world. Topics covered include understanding intersectoral and One Health approaches, outbreak risk assessment and boosting the surge capacity of health systems including preparing and protecting the health work force and maintaining access to essential health services. The subject attends to the importance of community engagement, and communications issues in preparedness and response to pandemics. The utility of different data sources for planning and response, including scientific data, epidemiological data and health systems data is also addressed. Other key topics addressed in the subject are the social and economic impacts of non-pharmaceutical interventions, and the politics of developing and distributing treatments and vaccines for pandemics.