National Workshop Strengthens Respiratory Virus & H5N1 Influenza Surveillance
A recent Technical Epidemiological Update Workshop, organized by the Directorate of the National Epidemiological Data Center’s Special Surveillance Program adn Sentinel, and coordinated by the General Directorate of Health Surveillance, focused on strengthening national capacity in respiratory virus and influenza A (H5N1) surveillance. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) as part of ongoing joint efforts.
The workshop aimed to enhance the technical skills of teams from the country’s 10 sentinel centers for influenza and acute respiratory disease surveillance. Participants included epidemiologists and biochemists from Ministry of Health hospitals, professionals from regional epidemiological units, and members of the national laboratory network across all 18 sanitary regions. Support was provided by the Expanded Immunizations Program (PAI), the Directorate of Public Health Surveillance and Response, the Central Public Health Laboratory, and the PAHO/WHO National Network of laboratories and Experts.
Key objectives of the workshop included: updating the national epidemiological situation of respiratory viruses (including H5N1 influenza), reviewing regional trends, and reinforcing technical recommendations and sample collection/submission protocols.
the workshop featured presentations from leading experts on the following topics:
National Irag sentinel Surveillance: Dr. Katia Peralta
Regional Respiratory Virus Situation: Dr. María Fernanda Olivares (OPS/WDC consultant)
Nersevimab Immunization & Influenza Vaccination Coverage: Dr. Guillermo Legal
Influenza A (H5N1) Epidemiological Update: Dr. Ángel Rodríguez (regional advisor in clinical management of infectious risks)
Early Alert Surveillance for Public Health Emergencies: Dr. Monserrat Maidana
Laboratory Diagnosis of Respiratory Viruses (including SARS-COV-2,influenza,and VSR) & H5N1 Guidelines: Dr. Sandra González (Central Public Health Laboratory)
* Revelac-I Vaccine Effectiveness network Update: Dr. Chavely Domínguez
The workshop fostered valuable exchange between technical teams and ensured procedures and criteria for surveillance align with regional and international standards. This update is crucial for effective monitoring and response to respiratory viruses and the evolving threat of H5N1 influenza.
