The PIP Framework in the Region of the Americas: enhancing pandemic preparedness for influenza and respiratory viruses

From global framework to regional impact

Since its adoption in 2011, the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework has provided a critical foundation for global pandemic influenza preparedness. In the Region of the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has worked with countries to translate this framework into concrete tailored actions that support national preparedness while contributing to global health security.

Through this work, the Region has moved from establishing essential capacities to building integrated surveillance systems and laboratories capable of detecting multiple respiratory pathogens. Enhanced molecular and genomic surveillance has enabled earlier detection of circulating viruses and more timely public health decision-making.

Building preparedness across the Region

The PIP Framework has strengthened preparedness foundations across national health systems in the Region. Over more than a decade coordinated regional work allowed countries to implement or strengthen national influenza surveillance systems and reach global standards of quality. A clear example of this progress was the rapid integration of SARS-CoV-2 testing into the well-established influenza sentinel surveillance network, which supported a more coordinated COVID-19 response in the Region.

Furthermore, the PIP Framework has supported the designation of new National Influenza Centres (NICs) and strengthened laboratory capacity so that all countries now perform molecular diagnosis for influenza using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and contribute to genomic surveillance, either nationally or through regional platforms.

Countries have made significant progress by implementing seasonal and pandemic influenza severity assessments, strengthening analytical capacities, and integrating burden and impact measures into surveillance to better inform vaccination programmes. This progress is reflected in milestones such as Guyana's recent introduction of the seasonal influenza vaccine into its national immunization schedule, which raised regional coverage to 95% of countries conducting influenza vaccination for priority groups. In addition, countries have updated their national preparedness plans following WHO's Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) guidance and conducted simulation exercises to test and refine response capacities.

In parallel, risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) capacities for respiratory threats have been strengthened across the Region. Sustained support has enabled countries to update national communication strategies, improve coordination and better position seasonal influenza vaccination. These efforts underscore the importance of RCCE as an essential component of preparedness, trust and resilience.

Complementing these efforts, the Region is now better prepared to deploy and distribute pandemic products. With support from PAHO, priority countries have developed, updated and tested national pandemic influenza deployment and vaccination plans using a standardized approach. Simulation exercises have also brought together key stakeholders, strengthening coordination and operational readiness for the timely and equitable rollout of vaccines and other countermeasures.

15 years of collective action shaping the future

The impact of the PIP Framework in the Region of the Americas reflects sustained collaboration among ministries of health, national laboratories, WHO Collaborating Centres and technical partners. These alliances have also enabled the consolidation of networks such as SARInet plus, RESVIGEN/PAHOgen and REVELAC-i. Together, these networks reflect a shift from isolated activities to more coordinated and sustainable preparedness efforts.

These many years of experience show that long-term investment, regional solidarity and strong technical cooperation are essential for influenza and respiratory pandemic preparedness. Looking ahead, PAHO will continue working with countries to sustain and build on the gains made. Preparedness remains a shared priority, and the Region of the Americas stands stronger because of it.