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Durrance-Bagale A, Marzouk M, Agarwal S, Ananthakrishnan A, Gan S, Hayashi M, Jacob-Chow B, Jiayun K, Tung LS, Mkhallalati H, Newaz S, Omar M, Sittimart M, Ung M, Yuze Y, Yang HL, Howard N. Operationalising Regional Cooperation for Infectious Disease Control: A Scoping Review of Regional Disease Control Bodies and Networks. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:2392-2403. [PMID: 35042324 PMCID: PMC9818116 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2021.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic demonstrates the value of regional cooperation in infectious disease prevention and control. We explored the literature on regional infectious disease control bodies, to identify lessons, barriers and enablers to inform operationalisation of a regional infectious disease control body or network in southeast Asia. METHODS We conducted a scoping review to examine existing literature on regional infectious disease control bodies and networks, and to identify lessons that can be learned that will be useful for operationalisation of a regional infectious disease control body such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Center for Public Health Emergency and Emerging Diseases. RESULTS Of the 57 articles included, 53 (93%) were in English, with two (3%) in Spanish and one (2%) each in Dutch and French. Most were commentaries or review articles describing programme initiatives. Sixteen (28%) publications focused on organisations in the Asian continent, with 14 (25%) focused on Africa, and 14 (25%) primarily focused on the European region. Key lessons focused on organisational factors, diagnosis and detection, human resources, communication, accreditation, funding, and sustainability. Enablers and constraints were consistent across regions/ organisations. A clear understanding of the regional context, budgets, cultural or language issues, staffing capacity and governmental priorities, is pivotal. An initial workshop inclusive of the various bodies involved in the design, implementation, monitoring or evaluation of programmes is essential. Clear governance structure, with individual responsibilities clear from the beginning, will reduce friction. Secure, long-term funding is also a key aspect of the success of any programme. CONCLUSION Operationalisation of regional infectious disease bodies and networks is complicated, but with extensive groundwork, and focus on organisational factors, diagnosis and detection, human resources, communication, accreditation, funding, and sustainability, it is achievable. Ways to promote success are to include as many stakeholders as possible from the beginning, to ensure that context-specific factors are considered, and to encourage employees through capacity building and mentoring, to ensure they feel valued and reduce staff turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Durrance-Bagale
- National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Manar Marzouk
- National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Aparna Ananthakrishnan
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Sarah Gan
- National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michiko Hayashi
- National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Beth Jacob-Chow
- National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Koh Jiayun
- National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lam Sze Tung
- National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hala Mkhallalati
- National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sanjida Newaz
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Maryam Omar
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Manit Sittimart
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Mengieng Ung
- Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yang Yuze
- National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hsu Li Yang
- National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Natasha Howard
- National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Asiri AM, Alomary SA, Alqahtani SA, Adam IF, Amer SA. Determinants of the Underlying Causes of Mortality during the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive National Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312647. [PMID: 34886379 PMCID: PMC8657172 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mortality statistics are constantly changing globally. Mortality statistics analysis has vital implications to implement evidence-based policy recommendations. This study aims to study the demographic characteristics, patterns, determinants, and the main causes of death during the first half of 2020, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study targeted all death (29,291) registered in 286 private and governmental health settings, from all over KSA. The data was extracted from the ministry of health’s death records after the ethical approval. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and WHO grouping, were used to classify the underlying causes of deaths. The collected data were analyzed using the appropriate tables and graphs. Results: 7055 (24.9%) died at the middle age (40–59 year), and 19,212 (65.6%) were males, and 18,110 (61.8%) were Saudi. The leading causes of deaths were non-communicable diseases (NCDs) 15,340 (62.1%), mainly Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) 10,103 (34.5%). There was a significant relationship between the main causes of deaths and sex (p < 0.05) and nationality (p = 0.01). Conclusion: NCDs mainly CVDs are the leading cause of death. The COVID-19 mortalities were mainly in males, and old age > 55 year. The lockdown was associated with a reduction in the NCDs and Road traffic accidents mortalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah M. Asiri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Preventive Health, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 11176, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shaker A. Alomary
- Department of Health Programs and Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 11176, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (S.A.A.); (I.F.A.)
| | - Saeed A. Alqahtani
- Department of Health Programs and Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 11176, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (S.A.A.); (I.F.A.)
| | - Izzeldin F. Adam
- Department of Health Programs and Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 11176, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (S.A.A.); (I.F.A.)
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11115, Sudan
| | - Samar A. Amer
- Department of Health Programs and Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 11176, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (S.A.A.); (I.F.A.)
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Correspondence:
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Fadaei Dehcheshmeh N, Arab M, Rahimi Fouroshani A, Farzianpour F. Survey of Communicable Diseases Surveillance System in Hospitals of Iran: A Qualitative Approach. Glob J Health Sci 2016; 8:53909. [PMID: 27157154 PMCID: PMC5064081 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v8n9p44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Communicable Disease Surveillance and reporting is one of the key elements to combat against diseases and their control. Fast and timely recognition of communicable diseases can be helpful in controlling of epidemics. One of the main sources of management of communicable diseases reporting is hospitals that collect communicable diseases’ reports and send them to health authorities. One of the focal problems and challenges in this regard is incomplete and imprecise reports from hospitals. In this study, while examining the implementation processes of the communicable diseases surveillance in hospitals, non-medical people who were related to the program have been studied by a qualitative approach. Methods: This study was conducted using qualitative content analysis method. Participants in the study included 36 informants, managers, experts associated with health and surveillance of communicable diseases that were selected using targeted sampling and with diverse backgrounds and work experience (different experiences in primary health surveillance and treatment, Ministry levels, university staff and operations (hospitals and health centers) and sampling was continued until arrive to data saturation. Results: Interviews were analyzed after the elimination of duplicate codes and integration of them. Finally, 73 codes were acquired and categorized in 6 major themes and 21 levels. The main themes included: policy making and planning, development of resources, organizing, collaboration and participation, surveillance process, and monitoring and evaluation of the surveillance system. In point of interviewees, attention to these themes is necessary to develop effective and efficient surveillance system for communicable diseases. Conclusion: Surveillance system in hospitals is important in developing proper macro - policies in health sector, adoption of health related decisions and preventive plans appropriate to the existing situation. Compilation, changing, improving, monitoring and continuous updating of surveillance systems can play a significant role in its efficiency and effectiveness. In the meantime, policy makers’ and senior managers’ support in development and implementation of communicable disease surveillance’ plans and their reporting plays a key and core role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayeb Fadaei Dehcheshmeh
- PhD, Associate Professor at Health Economics and Management Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Arsić D, Milovanović DR, Ferati AB, Prokić Z, Vlajković V, Ferati K, Arsić J. Monitoring of Chlamydia Trachomatis Genitourinary Infection in Women - Analytical Comparative Study Using Public Health Records from Two Balkan Countries. Cent Eur J Public Health 2016; 24:16-21. [PMID: 27070965 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a4088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study investigated the cumulative incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women treated in gynaecology departments of healthcare facilities in two towns in Serbia and one town in the Former Yugoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia, including their medical records in public health reports. METHODS A cross-sectional observational research design with retrospective data collection during a five-year period (2008-2012) originated from women treated as in- and out-patients. The data included the results of cervical and urethral swab testing on Chlamydia trachomatis infection and women's gynaecological diagnoses in Pomoravlje County (the Institute of Public Health Cuprija "Pomoravlje" in Cuprija, Alba outpatient clinic, Paracin) and in Skopje (Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, "Mikrolab" laboratory). RESULTS The incidence of positive ELISA assay from samples from the Institute of Public Health "Pomoravlje" Cuprija and polyclinic Alba was 6.5% and 12.5%, respectively (p<0.01). The incidence of positive DFA test from samples from the Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Skopje and "Mikrolab" laboratory was 18.8% and 15.2%, respectively (p=0.20). In Pomoravlje County and in Skopje 7.5% and 17.6% of urethral swab samples were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis, respectively (p<0.01). The rate of microbiological samples tested for Chlamydia trachomatis in Pomoravlje County and Skopje was 48.4% and 21.2%, respectively (p<0.01). One-year incidences of Infectio sexuales chlamydiales (A56) from 2007-2011 were significantly different among three data settings relating to Serbia, the FYR of Macedonia and Pomoravlje County (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis positive cervical and urethral swabs in our study were highly variable between countries and within individual hospitals and caused by many factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragutin Arsić
- Institute for Public Health Ćuprija Pomoravlje, Ćuprija, Serbia
| | - Dragan R Milovanović
- Clinical Centre Kragujevac, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | | | | | | | - Kenan Ferati
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tetovo, Tetovo, FYR of Macedonia
| | - Jovana Arsić
- Faculty of Business-Civil Security, International University of Brčko District, Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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JANATI A, HOSSEINY M, GOUYA MM, MORADI G, GHADERI E. Communicable Disease Reporting Systems in the World: A Systematic Review Article. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 44:1453-65. [PMID: 26744702 PMCID: PMC4703224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communicable disease reporting and surveillance system has poor infrastructure and supporters in most of countries. Its quality improvement is a challenge and requires an accurate and efficient care and reporting systems at all levels to achieve new and simple models. This study evaluates reporting systems of communicable diseases using systematic review. METHODS This was a systematic review study. For data collection, we used the following database and search engines: Proquest, Science direct, Pub MED, Scopes, Springer, and EBESCO. For Persian databases, we used SID, Iranmedex and Magiran. Our key words were "Communicable Diseases", "Notifiable Disease", "Disease Notification", "Reporting System"," Surveillance Systems" and "evaluation". Two independent researchers reviewed the resources and the results were classified in different domains. RESULTS From 1889 cases, only 66 resources were studied. The results were classified in several domains, including those who were reporting, reporting methods and procedures, responsibilities and reporting system characteristics, problems and solutions of the report, the reporting process, and receptor level. CONCLUSION Disease-reporting system has similar problems in all parts of the world. Change, improve, update and continuous monitoring of the reporting system are very important. Although the reporting process can vary in different regions, but being perfect and timely are important principles in system design. Detailed explanations of tasks and providing appropriate instructions are the most important points to integrate an efficient reporting system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali JANATI
- Dept. of Health Services Management, Faculty of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tbriz, Iran
| | - Mozhgan HOSSEINY
- Dept. of Health Services Management, Faculty of Management and Medical Informatics, Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tbriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi GOUYA
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghobad MORADI
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ebrahim GHADERI
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Varan AK, Bruniera-Oliveira R, Peter CR, Fonseca-Ford M, Waterman SH. Multinational Disease Surveillance Programs: Promoting Global Information Exchange for Infectious Diseases. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 93:668-71. [PMID: 26033019 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cross-border surveillance for emerging diseases such as Ebola and other infectious diseases requires effective international collaboration. We surveyed representatives from 12 multinational disease surveillance programs between January 2013 and April 2014. Our survey identified programmatic similarities despite variation in health priorities, geography, and socioeconomic context, providing a contemporary perspective on infectious disease surveillance networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiden K Varan
- CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, Atlanta, Georgia; County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, California; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Diego, California
| | - Robson Bruniera-Oliveira
- CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, Atlanta, Georgia; County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, California; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Diego, California
| | - Christopher R Peter
- CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, Atlanta, Georgia; County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, California; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Diego, California
| | - Maureen Fonseca-Ford
- CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, Atlanta, Georgia; County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, California; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Diego, California
| | - Stephen H Waterman
- CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, Atlanta, Georgia; County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, California; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Diego, California
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Moore M, Dausey DJ. Local cross-border disease surveillance and control: experiences from the Mekong Basin. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:90. [PMID: 25889232 PMCID: PMC4374506 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1047-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mekong Basin Disease Surveillance cooperation (MBDS) is one of several sub-regional disease surveillance networks that have emerged in recent years as an approach to transnational cooperation for infectious disease prevention and control. Since 2003 MBDS has pioneered a unique model for local cross-border cooperation. This study examines stakeholders' perspectives of these MBDS experiences, based on a survey of local managers and semi-structured interviews with MBDS leaders and the central coordinator. RESULTS Fifteen managers from 12 of 20 paired cross-border sites completed a written survey. They all monitor most or all of the 17 diseases agreed upon for MBDS surveillance information sharing. Fourteen agreed or strongly agreed with statements about the core MBDS values of cooperation, mutual trust, and transparency, and their own contributions to national and regional disease control (average score of 4.4 of 5.0). Respondents felt they implemented well to very well activities related to surveillance reporting (average scores 3.4 to 3.9 of 4.0), using computers for their work (3.9/4.0), and using surveillance data for action (3.8/4.0). Respondents reported that they did worst in implementing research (2.1/4.0) and somewhat poorly for local laboratory testing (2.9/4.0) and local coordination with cross-border counterparts (2.9/4.0), although all 15 maintain a list with contact information for these counterparts and many know their counterparts. Implementation of specified activities within their collective regional action plan was uneven across the cross-border sites. Most respondents reported positive lessons learned about local cooperation, information sharing and joint problem solving, based on trusting relationships with their cross-border counterparts. They recommend expansion of cross-border sites within MBDS and consideration of the cross-border cooperation model by other sub-regional networks. CONCLUSIONS MBDS has over a decade of experience with its model of local cross-border cooperation in disease surveillance and control. Frontline managers have documented success with this model, strongly support it and recommend its expansion within and beyond the MBDS network. The MBDS cross-border cooperation model is standing the test of time as a solid approach to building and sustaining the public health capabilities needed for disease surveillance and control from the local to national and global levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David J Dausey
- Health Unit, RAND Corporation, Arlington, VA, USA. .,School of Health Professions and Public Health, Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA, USA.
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Bond KC, Macfarlane SB, Burke C, Ungchusak K, Wibulpolprasert S. The evolution and expansion of regional disease surveillance networks and their role in mitigating the threat of infectious disease outbreaks. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2013; 6:19913. [PMID: 23362414 PMCID: PMC3557911 DOI: 10.3402/ehtj.v6i0.19913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We examine the emergence, development, and value of regional infectious disease surveillance networks that neighboring countries worldwide are organizing to control cross-border outbreaks at their source. The regional perspective represented in the paper is intended to serve as an instructive framework for others who decide to launch such networks as new technologies and emerging threats bring countries even closer together. Distinct from more formal networks in geographic regions designated by the World Health Organization (WHO), these networks usually involve groupings of fewer countries chosen by national governments to optimize surveillance efforts. Sometimes referred to as sub-regional, these "self-organizing" networks complement national and local government recognition with informal relationships across borders among epidemiologists, scientists, ministry officials, health workers, border officers, and community members. Their development over time reflects both incremental learning and growing connections among network actors; and changing disease patterns, with infectious disease threats shifting over time from local to regional to global levels. Not only has this regional disease surveillance network model expanded across the globe, it has also expanded from a mostly practitioner-based network model to one that covers training, capacity-building, and multidisciplinary research. Today, several of these networks are linked through Connecting Organizations for Regional Disease Surveillance (CORDS). We explore how regional disease surveillance networks add value to global disease detection and response by complementing other systems and efforts, by harnessing their power to achieve other goals such as health and human security, and by helping countries adapt to complex challenges via multi-sectoral solutions. We note that governmental commitment and trust among participating individuals are critical to the success of regional infectious disease surveillance networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C. Bond
- Former Associate Director for Health, Rockefeller Foundation Southeast Asia and Africa Regional Offices, United States
| | - Sarah B. Macfarlane
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, United States
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Najjar-Pellet J, Machuron JL, Bougoudogo F, Sakandé J, Sow I, Paquet C, Longuet C. Clinical laboratory networks contribute to strengthening disease surveillance: The RESAOLAB Project in West Africa. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2013; 6:19960. [PMID: 23362415 PMCID: PMC3557952 DOI: 10.3402/ehtj.v6i0.19960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Gresham LS, Smolinski MS, Suphanchaimat R, Kimball AM, Wibulpolprasert S. Creating a global dialogue on infectious disease surveillance: connecting organizations for regional disease surveillance (CORDS). EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2013; 6:19912. [PMID: 23362412 PMCID: PMC3557909 DOI: 10.3402/ehtj.v6i0.19912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Connecting Organizations for Regional Disease Surveillance (CORDS) is an international non-governmental organization focused on information exchange between disease surveillance networks in different areas of the world. By linking regional disease surveillance networks, CORDS builds a trust-based social fabric of experts who share best practices, surveillance tools and strategies, training courses, and innovations. CORDS exemplifies the shifting patterns of international collaboration needed to prevent, detect, and counter all types of biological dangers - not just naturally occurring infectious diseases, but also terrorist threats. Representing a network-of-networks approach, the mission of CORDS is to link regional disease surveillance networks to improve global capacity to respond to infectious diseases. CORDS is an informal governance cooperative with six founding regional disease surveillance networks, with plans to expand; it works in complement and cooperatively with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and the Food and Animal Organization of the United Nations (FAO). As described in detail elsewhere in this special issue of Emerging Health Threats, each regional network is an alliance of a small number of neighboring countries working across national borders to tackle emerging infectious diseases that require unified regional efforts. Here we describe the history, culture and commitment of CORDS; and the novel and necessary role that CORDS serves in the existing international infectious disease surveillance framework.
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