Community health workers and communities as a whole often have key roles to play in health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks. Local knowledge and awareness of cultural and social contexts reinforce the role played by health workers who often find themselves on the frontline during health emergencies. Well-trained and knowledgeable health workers alleviate the strain and demand on health-care workers in hospitals, clinics and other institutions when the health system is overwhelmed or disrupted. Community health workers also have a part to play in improving access to prevention and treatment for influenza and other common illnesses, and in implementing public health programs and ensuring community participation.

The training package seeks to build the capacity of community health workers in supporting communities to respond more effectively during an influenza outbreak, thereby reducing mortality from influenza and to alleviate the pressure on health services during health emergencies.

Training material and format
The training package comprises:
- Trainers' guide
- Participant's handouts
- Flip book with illustrations to be used during the training and for community/individual health education

Training content:
The training package contains the following six modules:
- Influenza outbreak and its impact on the community
- Key information and messages for prevention and control of an influenza outbreak in the community and the home
- Assessment and treatment of diseases in the community and the home
- Community health education and social mobilization
- Protection of the community health worker
- A framework for monitoring and reporting of influenza