Guest Editorial: Investing in capacity to meet the challenge of an influenza pandemic

Abstract

We welcome you to the second issue of the NSW Public Health Bulletin that is devoted to aspects of influenza pandemic planning and response. Recent simulation exercises designed to test preparedness for pandemic influenza, Exercise Cumpston 06 on a national scale and Exercise Paton in NSW, have shown that the public health system in NSW has made substantial progress in preparing for what many consider to be an inevitable event. Of equal, if not greater, importance is a recognition that the work done has strengthened the health system’s capacity to meet a much wider range of challenges. This work is the focus of this issue of the Bulletin.