Overview

The Global Influenza Strategy for 2019-2030 provides a framework for WHO, countries and partners to approach influenza holistically through tailored national programmes – from surveillance to disease prevention and control – with the goal of strengthening seasonal prevention and control and preparedness for future pandemics.

To achieve this, the strategy places a large focus on the following:

• The development of better global tools, such as vaccines, antivirals and treatments, that would benefit all countries and instil public confidence and uptake.
• Stronger country capacities that are integrated within national health security planning and universal health coverage efforts.

Influenza prevention, control and preparedness are functional building blocks for capacity-building and can enhance core capacities across the health spectrum; a country-level approach and country ownership are vital for ensuring sustainability of national influenza programmes, which serve as an investment for greater health system strengthening and pandemic preparedness.

With its focus on country impact, the strategy is aligned with the goals of WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work for achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations.

The strategy builds on the success of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework as it integrates broader goals for prevention, control and preparedness for all countries.