Capacity to Contain

The Capacity to Contain index measures how well prepared countries are to fight the H1N1 virus based on health-care spending and quality, literacy rates, communication infrastructure (TV, radio, phones), and the prevalence of doctors and veterinarians. The index also weighs the existing burden countries face fighting malnutrition and other communicable diseases.

Based on these factors, countries in Africa, Central America, and South and Central Asia are most at risk. In Europe, the Balkans face the greatest challenges.