The epidemiology and laboratory capacity for prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases (ELC) - this funding opportunity through the epidemiology and laboratory capacity for prevention and…

The epidemiology and laboratory capacity for prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases (ELC) - this funding opportunity through the epidemiology and laboratory capacity for prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases (ELC) cooperative agreement continues to support the georgia department of public health (gdph) in its commitment to build upon programs to directly address emerging infectious disease threats. Using ELC funds, these programs continue to enhance the capacity of our state's public health agencies to effectively detect, respond, prevent and control known and emerging (and RE-emerging) infectious diseases. This will continue to be accomplished through the application of the financial and technical resources provided by this program toward strengthening epidemiologic capacity, enhancing laboratory capacity, improving information systems including public health informatics goals outlines in CDC's data modernization initiative, and enhancing cooperation among epidemiology, laboratory, and information systems components of public health departments. Gdph will further expand its scope of activities funded through ELC by applying for additional programs and projects over this next five-year renewal period. Gdph will participate in all activities under the cross-cutting emerging infectious disease capacity, systems, and leadership section (i). Previous supplemental funding through ELC due to the covid pandemic enabled gdph to develop its advanced molecular detection (AMD) program and a national wastewater surveillance system in collaboration with its laboratory. Both of these activities will undergo further development as unique projects under this new application. Gdph will continue to participate in all emerging infectious disease programs supported under ELC directed against foodborne, waterborne, zoonotic, healthcare associated, antimicrobial resistant, vaccine preventable, respiratory, vector-borne, and tick-associated diseases. New disease-specific projects that gdph will seek first time funding for include prion surveillance and to become an HIV center for enhanced detection of HIV clusters and outbreaks. ELC support will enable gdph will maintain its strong collaboration between epidemiology, laboratory, and health information system components, as well as with ELC partners, local health departments, and other partners and organizations within the jurisdiction. Health information systems (his) are ever more critical core aspects of public health for both internal administrative and programmatic units as well as external partners. Data collected improves service delivery and reporting which leads to more timely and accurate decision making. Data analytics supports decision making, transparency, and provides understanding. Efforts to identify and alleviate health disparities among specific populations in georgia will be paramount when designing and implementing program activities and analyzing data. Gdph will continue to strive for a more effective public health workforce, improved use of data to inform best practices, and to reduce morbidity, mortality, and health disparities from infectious diseases.