Strengthening the surveillance system of influenza and non influenza respiratory pathogens in tunisia: phase 3, building capacities and sustainability - the present project aims to strengthen the…

Strengthening the surveillance system of influenza and non influenza respiratory pathogens in tunisia: phase 3, building capacities and sustainability - the present project aims to strengthen the achievements and ensure a quality improvement in all aspects as well as a progress towards sustainability and integration of the influenza and other respiratory viruses system for an optimal performance and capacity to control epidemics at detect pandemic threats. In agreement with US-CDC vision, we expect to:1. Obtain a parsimonious quality-based electronic surveillance system of influenza and other respiratory viruses integrating pertinent stakeholders at the ministries of health and agriculture, decentralized, linking stakeholders and sectors for timely sharing of epidemiologic and information circulating viruses and capable of producing pertinent information for an evidence-based control strategy and response to pandemic threats. 2. Address a big GAP identified in previous surveillance system that consist of the weak identification of circulating respiratory pathogens which will most likely include pandemic related pathogens and upgrade the surveillance to the level of the accurate identification of etiological agents and their distribution over time in representative areas of tunisia.3. To strengthen the capacities, competencies and skills to detect at an early stage the epidemic/pandemic threats and to enable control teams to respond timely and adequately.4. To share the epidemiologic/biological information in real time with partners, UN agencies and the US-CDC. This proposal aims to promote quality and progress towards sustainability and one health approach using multi-sectoral transdisciplinary approaches. IT integrates in the same electronic platform epidemiological, clinical and biological surveillance data for timely sharing and evidence-based decisions by different stakeholders. A steering committee, supported by technical ad-hoc committees and recognized experts, representing a consortium of public health institutions, including a network of certified laboratories in charge of influenza an D non-influenza respiratory pathogens surveillance, and supported by the ministries of health and agriculture, ensures governance, implementation and evaluation of the project. Ultimately, this system will be sustainable and most appropriate for influenza and non-influenza respiratory pathogens surveillance and control as well as pandemic preparedness and response.