A system ready to react by implementing planned measures and strategies in the event of a new pandemic. The key is "be prepared" to avoid being caught off guard.
This is the objective of the new National Pandemic Plan 2025-29, approved by the State-Regions Conference after a long discussion and three years after the expiry of the previous one.
First, the scope of action is broadened: the Plan is no longer limited to combating the influenza pandemic, as it has been until now, but extends to all potential pandemics caused by respiratory pathogens and those with greater pandemic potential. And it relies on specific resources: the 2025 budget law has allocated €50 million for 2025, €150 million for 2026, and €300 million annually starting in 2027.
The Plan "is based on a clear objective: to guarantee citizen protection ", commented Health Minister Orazio Schillaci .
The five objectives are: reduce the health impact of a pandemic on the population; ensure rapid and coordinated responses at the national and local levels; limit the impact on health and social services by ensuring the continuity of essential services; protect healthcare workers; and promote information and empowerment among the population.
The text takes into account WHO guidelines, provides a five-year duration, and adopts a flexible approach that can be adapted to different epidemiological scenarios.
With regard to the various measures to be adopted, the Plan refers to protective devices: the use of masks is envisaged , such as filtering half-masks that are effective in preventing respiratory transmission, but it is specified that these devices are effective only if included within a "broader set of interventions".
The use of vaccines is also envisaged, which are considered effective tools for mitigating the impact of a pandemic. Non-pharmacological control interventions are also envisaged: there is no mention of a "lockdown," but the Plan states that in the presence of a highly contagious respiratory pathogen, restrictive measures may be considered, authorized by laws or acts having the force of law, to limit or prevent gatherings of people.
Also envisaged, in particularly severe scenarios that make it necessary, is the strengthening of smart working and teleworking.
For their part, the Regions have expressed their willingness to discuss the implementation of the new Plan, but have asked the government to intervene on two aspects: the first is to ensure that the resources earmarked for strengthening regional governance can be used for staff recruitment, even in derogation of the currently established limits; the second concerns the possibility for the Regions with special statutes and the autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano to be eligible to share any additional resources that become available for implementing the measures.
The Plan is therefore in force and after publication in the Official Journal, the Regions will implement it with a resolution.
(Unioneonline)
