The initial objective of the Pandemic Preparedness Forum following its inception in 2006, was to strengthen the communication and coordination of organizations in the management of avian and human influenza across Asia. It also set out to enable organisations to work towards the regional solidarity in order to tackle the universal threat of an influenza pandemic. As the forum grew in numbers and strength over the following years, it took on a number of additional objectives which are set out below.

• To provide a regional forum for effective networking and sharing of information, expertise and good practices on national, regional and global developments in avian and pandemic programmes;
• To provide a reference group for the development of good practice in managing avian and pandemic influenza and to assist organisations in identifying regional priorities and core advocacy issues;
• To help raise awareness about avian and pandemic influenza among organisations and promote the role of civil society organisations in managing API;
• To serve as a bridge at the regional level between civil society organisations and the research and academic community helping to create a common understanding of issues around API among international organisations;
• To facilitate the establishment and maintenance of inter-agency working groups, such as Communication Experts and Press Officer groups.