Bhutan

National Multi-Sector Pandemic Simulation Exercise Opening Statement by Ms. Claire Van der Vaeren, UN Resident Coordinator

National Multi-Sector Pandemic Simulation Exercise
Opening Statement by Ms. Claire Van der Vaeren, UN Resident Coordinator
Wangchuk Resort, Taba, Thimphu
29 March 2011

Dasho Penden Wangchuk, Secretary of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs,

Members of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan Committees and Inter-Ministerial Task-force,

Other Representatives from Ministries and essential sectors, Mr. Hitoshi Murakami, Regional Coordinator Officer, UNSIC.

Other UN Colleagues and Development Partners,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Following the outbreak of avian influenza in the region and the neighboring countries in 2004, the Royal Government of Bhutan recognized the need for a coordinated national preparedness mechanism to systematically respond to possible impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Accordingly, the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan and the national mechanism were established and continuously maintained with support from development partners. The effort has been crucial in permitting timely and successful response during the outbreaks of H1N1 in 2009 and 2010 and H5N1 or bird flu in 2010 in Bhutan, to highlight the most recent outbreaks.

To support the Royal Government's continuous effort and commitment to pandemic preparedness and response, the UN System in Bhutan, in cooperation with the Department of Disaster Management of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, started a project in 2010 to strengthen national, local and sectoral capacities to ensure response preparedness to potential pandemics that pose threats to the health and wellbeing of the people of Bhutan, across all sectors and levels of society.

Within the framework of our joint cooperation, a series of workshops and trainings have been conducted for all Government and essential sector representatives. Simulation exercises have been recognized as a crucial component of pandemic preparedness, specifically in planning pandemic responses.  In our experience, the testing of pandemic preparation - through simulation exercises - is the most effective and efficient way to validate assumptions, examine capacity and ensure an optimal state of readiness. We believe any plan requiring coordinated action by a number of stakeholders, which has not been validated through a process of practice, or 'simulation', remains a collection of ideas and concepts waiting to be made operational.  Therefore, today's National Multi-sector Pandemic Simulation Exercise is one of our most significant project activities.

The Royal Government of Bhutan has had long experience in conducting pandemic simulation exercises, both table-top and functional, mainly aiming at human and animal health response. The pandemic plans, operating procedures, and guidelines have all been updated as a result of these efforts. However, during this two-day Simulation Exercise, we aim to test and verify the roles of actors in all sectors, i.e. not only in health and agriculture sectors, but also local administrations, private sector, other essential sectors, and development partners, whose roles and support can be critical during a pandemic response.

Furthermore, through this Simulation Exercise, we aim to achieve three main objectives.  Firstly, we aim to verify the effectiveness of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan. The effectiveness of the plan and activities, such as command and control, communications, role of Government institutions, essential sectors and development partners will be clarified, if necessary.

Secondly, we aim to provide practical experience to those who may become involved in a pandemic response. This is a good way of putting response plans into practice before there is an actual need. I hope, today's exercise will allow actors and stakeholders identified in the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan to perform their functions in a lower stress environment and give them an opportunity to explore their roles and the expectations of these roles. This is relevant not only in the Pandemic context but is broadly applicable to all types of disasters.  The RGoB has adopted a multi-hazard approach to disaster management.  It is expected that this simulation exercise will also create an enabling environment and strengthen capacities to respond to disaster in a better coordinated manner.

Finally, we aim to raise greater awareness on the pandemic preparedness plan. Particularly where an event may result in a significant number of deaths or injuries or in large social and economic losses, there is an expectation that the government should have in place plans and preparations capable of minimizing such loss and damage, and ensuring a rapid return to normality. Participating in a simulation exercise is a good way to inform all stakeholders of the existence of the plans, and help them understand what they may be required to do during major events.

Given the multiple benefits of this exercise, I must admit that we are indeed fortunate to have  an expert from the United Nations System Influenza Coordination (UNSIC) Asia-Pacific Regional Hub, Dr. Hitoshi Murakami, Regional Coordinating Officer to facilitate the simulation exercise. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank Dr. Murakami for being with us and in supporting this very important exercise.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that such simulation exercises are not only relevant and useful for pandemic scenarios, but also for all types of foreseeable disasters in Bhutan.

On behalf of the United Nations System in Bhutan, I would like to sincerely thank the Department of Disaster Management of the Ministry of Home and Culture Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Ministry of Health for their continuous support and cooperation. We look forward to having a successful outcome of this exercise.

Thank you and Tashi delek!