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Ferrinho P, Delgado AP, Mendonca MDLL, Fronteira I, Sidat M, Semedo D, Monteiro FF, Garcia AC, Serrano P, Lapão M, Pires DM, Gómez LF, Castanheira ER, Araújo II. Public health capacity development in Africa: The case of advanced public health education and training in Cabo Verde. J Glob Health 2024; 14:03025. [PMID: 39149817 PMCID: PMC11327893 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.03025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Ferrinho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Cabo Verde, Praia, Cabo Verde
| | - António Pedro Delgado
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Cabo Verde, Praia, Cabo Verde
| | | | - Inês Fronteira
- National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Centre, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - Deisa Semedo
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Cabo Verde, Praia, Cabo Verde
| | | | - Ana Cristina Garcia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Cabo Verde, Praia, Cabo Verde
| | - Pedro Serrano
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Manuel Lapão
- Executive Secretariat of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dilma Miranda Pires
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Cabo Verde, Praia, Cabo Verde
| | - Lara Ferrero Gómez
- Center for Research, Institutional Relations and Advanced Training, Capeverdian Jean Piaget University, Praia, Cabo Verde
| | - Elen Rose Castanheira
- Faculty of Medicine, Paulista State University Julio de Mesquita, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brasil
| | - Isabel Inês Araújo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Cabo Verde, Praia, Cabo Verde
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Orf GS, Ahouidi AD, Mata M, Diedhiou C, Mboup A, Padane A, Manga NM, Dela-del Lawson AT, Averhoff F, Berg MG, Cloherty GA, Mboup S. Next-generation sequencing survey of acute febrile illness in Senegal (2020-2022). Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1362714. [PMID: 38655084 PMCID: PMC11037400 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1362714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute febrile illnesses (AFI) in developing tropical and sub-tropical nations are challenging to diagnose due to the numerous causes and non-specific symptoms. The proliferation of rapid diagnostic testing and successful control campaigns against malaria have revealed that non-Plasmodium pathogens still contribute significantly to AFI burden. Thus, a more complete understanding of local trends and potential causes is important for selecting the correct treatment course, which in turn will reduce morbidity and mortality. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) in a laboratory setting can be used to identify known and novel pathogens in individuals with AFI. Methods In this study, plasma was collected from 228 febrile patients tested negative for malaria at clinics across Senegal from 2020-2022. Total nucleic acids were extracted and converted to metagenomic NGS libraries. To identify viral pathogens, especially those present at low concentration, an aliquot of each library was processed with a viral enrichment panel and sequenced. Corresponding metagenomic libraries were also sequenced to identify non-viral pathogens. Results and Discussion Sequencing reads for pathogens with a possible link to febrile illness were identified in 51/228 specimens, including (but not limited to): Borrelia crocidurae (N = 7), West Nile virus (N = 3), Rickettsia felis (N = 2), Bartonella quintana (N = 1), human herpesvirus 8 (N = 1), and Saffold virus (N = 1). Reads corresponding to Plasmodium falciparum were detected in 19 specimens, though their presence in the cohort was likely due to user error of rapid diagnostic testing or incorrect specimen segregation at the clinics. Mosquito-borne pathogens were typically detected just after the conclusion of the rainy season, while tick-borne pathogens were mostly detected before the rainy season. The three West Nile virus strains were phylogenetically characterized and shown to be related to both European and North American clades. Surveys such as this will increase the understanding of the potential causes of non-malarial AFI, which may help inform diagnostic and treatment options for clinicians who provide care to patients in Senegal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S. Orf
- Core Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, United States
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, Abbott Park, IL, United States
| | - Ambroise D. Ahouidi
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, Abbott Park, IL, United States
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Maximillian Mata
- Core Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, United States
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, Abbott Park, IL, United States
| | - Cyrille Diedhiou
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, Abbott Park, IL, United States
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Aminata Mboup
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, Abbott Park, IL, United States
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Abdou Padane
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, Abbott Park, IL, United States
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Noel Magloire Manga
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Université Assane Seck, Hôpital de la Paix, Ziguinchor, Senegal
| | | | - Francisco Averhoff
- Core Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, United States
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, Abbott Park, IL, United States
| | - Michael G. Berg
- Core Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, United States
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, Abbott Park, IL, United States
| | - Gavin A. Cloherty
- Core Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, United States
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, Abbott Park, IL, United States
| | - Souleymane Mboup
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, Abbott Park, IL, United States
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
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3
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Hollis S, Stolow J, Rosenthal M, Morreale SE, Moses L. Go.Data as a digital tool for case investigation and contact tracing in the context of COVID-19: a mixed-methods study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1717. [PMID: 37667290 PMCID: PMC10476402 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16120-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A manual approach to case investigation and contact tracing can introduce delays in response and challenges for field teams. Go.Data, an outbreak response tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, streamlines data collection and analysis during outbreaks. This study aimed to characterize Go.Data use during COVID-19, elicit shared benefits and challenges, and highlight key opportunities for enhancement. METHODS This study utilized mixed methods through qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey with Go.Data implementors on their experiences during COVID-19. Survey data was analyzed for basic univariate statistics. Interview data were coded using deductive and inductive reasoning and thematic analysis of categories. Overarching themes were triangulated with survey data to clarify key findings. RESULTS From April to June 2022, the research team conducted 33 interviews and collected 41 survey responses. Participants were distributed across all six WHO regions and 28 countries. While most implementations represented government actors at national or subnational levels, additional inputs were collected from United Nations agencies and universities. Results highlighted WHO endorsement, accessibility, adaptability, and flexible support modalities as main enabling factors. Formalization and standardization of data systems and people processes to prepare for future outbreaks were a welcomed byproduct of implementation, as 76% used paper-based reporting prior and benefited from increased coordination around a shared platform. Several challenges surfaced, including shortage of the appropriate personnel and skill-mix within teams to ensure smooth implementation. Among opportunities for enhancements were improved product documentation and features to improve usability with large data volumes. CONCLUSIONS This study was the first to provide a comprehensive picture of Go.Data implementations during COVID-19 and what joint lessons could be learned. It ultimately demonstrated that Go.Data was a useful complement to responses across diverse contexts, and helped set a reproducible foundation for future outbreaks. Concerted preparedness efforts across the domains of workforce composition, data architecture and political sensitization should be prioritized as key ingredients for future Go.Data implementations. While major developments in Go.Data functionality have addressed some key gaps highlighted during the pandemic, continued dialogue between WHO and implementors, including cross-country experience sharing, is needed ensure the tool is reactive to evolving user needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hollis
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Jeni Stolow
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Melissa Rosenthal
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Lina Moses
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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4
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Temate-Tiagueu Y, Winquist A, Davis M, Dietz S, Robinson B, Pevzner E, Arvelo W. Characterizing the Role of International Graduates of the Epidemic Intelligence Service in Increasing the Epidemiological Capacity and Diversity of the United States Public Health Workforce. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:E169-E175. [PMID: 36867708 PMCID: PMC10475142 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT A trained and diverse public health workforce is needed to respond to public health threats. The Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is an applied epidemiology training program. Most EIS officers are from the United States, but some are from other countries and bring unique perspectives and skills. OBJECTIVES/EVALUATION To characterize international officers who participated in the EIS program and describe their employment settings after training completion. DESIGN International officers were people who participated in EIS and who were not US citizens or permanent residents. We analyzed data from EIS's application database during 2009-2017 to describe officers' characteristics. We used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) workforce database for civil servants and EIS exit surveys to describe jobs taken after program completion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We described the characteristics of the international officers, jobs taken immediately after program completion, and duration of employment at CDC. RESULTS Among 715 officers accepted in EIS classes of 2009-2017, 85 (12%) were international applicants, with citizenships from 40 different countries. Forty (47%) had 1 or more US postgraduate degrees, and 65 (76%) were physicians. Of 78 (92%) international officers with available employment data, 65 (83%) reported taking a job at CDC after program completion. The remaining took a public health job with an international entity (6%), academia (5%), or other jobs (5%). Among 65 international officers who remained working at CDC after graduation, the median employment duration was 5.2 years, including their 2 years in EIS. CONCLUSIONS Most international EIS graduates remain at CDC after program completion, which strengthens the diversity and capacity of CDC's epidemiological workforce. Further evaluations are needed to determine the effects of pulling away crucial talent from other countries needing experienced epidemiologists and to what extent retaining those persons can benefit public health globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Temate-Tiagueu
- Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Schaeffer J, Hammer CC, Evlampidou I, Bubba L, Igloi Z, Dub T, Wendland A, Whelan J, Nielsen S, Baidjoe A, Tostmann A. Field Epidemiology and Public Health Microbiology training: capturing the alumni perspectives of the training's impact. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2300388. [PMID: 37676148 PMCID: PMC10486191 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.36.2300388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We present the findings from the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) Alumni Network (EAN) Member Survey conducted in October to December 2021. The EAN consists of field epidemiologists (EPIET) and public health microbiologists (European Public Health Microbiology Training Programme (EUPHEM)) who stay connected after their 2-year fellowship. This active alumni network provides opportunities for career development, mentorship, knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices for community members, affiliated professionals and public health organisations in Europe. Overall, 281 of 732 members participated in the survey. Of the 192 European fellowship alumni respondents, 173 (90%) indicated that skills and competencies acquired during their fellowship improved performance in their role compared with their abilities before the fellowship. Reported skills and competencies that could be further strengthened included data management/analysis, communication, mathematical modelling and leadership/team management. The EAN Member Survey provides valuable feedback to the EAN, as well as the fellowship programme offices at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and affiliated field epidemiology programmes. The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder of how essential cross-border collaborations are for continued European health security. Maintaining and increasing the professional, well-trained workforce remains crucial for optimal response to infectious diseases and protection of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Christiane Hammer
- EPIET Alumni Network Advisory Board, Saint Maurice, France
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Iro Evlampidou
- EPIET Alumni Network Advisory Board, Saint Maurice, France
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Centre Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
- Médecins sans Frontières, Luxembourg Operational Research, Luxembourg
| | - Laura Bubba
- EPIET Alumni Network Advisory Board, Saint Maurice, France
| | - Zsofia Igloi
- EPIET Alumni Network Advisory Board, Saint Maurice, France
| | - Timothée Dub
- EPIET Alumni Network Advisory Board, Saint Maurice, France
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Jane Whelan
- EPIET Alumni Network Advisory Board, Saint Maurice, France
- Epismart, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stine Nielsen
- EPIET Alumni Network Advisory Board, Saint Maurice, France
| | - Amrish Baidjoe
- EPIET Alumni Network Advisory Board, Saint Maurice, France
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Centre Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
- Médecins sans Frontières, Luxembourg Operational Research, Luxembourg
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alma Tostmann
- EPIET Alumni Network Advisory Board, Saint Maurice, France
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Pinto J, Dissanayake RB, Dhand N, Rojo-Gimeno C, Falzon LC, Akwar H, Alambeji RB, Beltran-Alcrudo D, Castellan DM, Chanachai K, Guitian J, Hilmers A, Larfaoui F, Loth L, Motta P, Rasamoelina H, Salyer S, Shadomy S, Squarzoni C, Rwego I, Santos CV, Wongsathapornchai K, Lockhart C, Okuthe S, Kane Y, Gilbert J, Soumare B, Dhingra M, Sumption K, Tiensin T. Development of core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology training programs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1143375. [PMID: 37089403 PMCID: PMC10118009 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1143375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A workforce with the adequate field epidemiology knowledge, skills and abilities is the foundation of a strong and effective animal health system. Field epidemiology training is conducted in several countries to meet the increased global demand for such a workforce. However, core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology have not been identified and agreed upon globally, leading to the development of different training curricula. Having a set of agreed core competencies can harmonize field veterinary epidemiology training. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) initiated a collective, iterative, and participative process to achieve this and organized two expert consultative workshops in 2018 to develop core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology at the frontline and intermediate levels. Based on these expert discussions, 13 competencies were identified for the frontline and intermediate levels. These competencies were organized into three domains: epidemiological surveillance and studies; field investigation, preparedness and response; and One Health, communication, ethics and professionalism. These competencies can be used to facilitate the development of field epidemiology training curricula for veterinarians, adapted to country training needs, or customized for training other close disciplines. The competencies can also be useful for mentors and employers to monitor and evaluate the progress of their mentees, or to guide the selection process during the recruitment of new staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Pinto
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Liaison Office for the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Julio Pinto
| | | | - Navneet Dhand
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Holy Akwar
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniel Beltran-Alcrudo
- Food and Agriculture Organization Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David Mario Castellan
- Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Karoon Chanachai
- Department of Disease Control/Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Angela Hilmers
- Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Fairouz Larfaoui
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Leo Loth
- Food and Agriculture Organization Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Paolo Motta
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stephanie Salyer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sean Shadomy
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Cécile Squarzoni
- Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, La Réunion, France
| | - Innocent Rwego
- University of Minnesota/One Health Central and Eastern Africa, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Carmen Varela Santos
- Public Health Capacity and Communication Unit, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kachen Wongsathapornchai
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Caryl Lockhart
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Sam Okuthe
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Yaghouba Kane
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regional Office for Africa, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jeffrey Gilbert
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Baba Soumare
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Madhur Dhingra
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Keith Sumption
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Thanawat Tiensin
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
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Carnevale CR, Woldetsadik MA, Shiver A, Gutierrez M, Chhea C, Ilori E, Jani I, MaCauley J, Mukonka V, Nsanzimana S, Ospina ML, Raji T, Spotts Whitney EA, Bratton S. Benefits and challenges of consolidating public health functions into a National Public Health Institute: a policy analysis. Health Policy Plan 2023; 38:342-350. [PMID: 36610743 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czac102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) around the world vary in composition. Consolidated organizational models can bring together critical functions such as disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response, public health research, workforce development and laboratory diagnosis within a single focal point. This can lead to enhanced coordination and management of resources and enable more efficient and effective public health operations. We explored stakeholders' perceptions about the benefits and challenges of consolidating public health functions in an NPHI in seven countries where the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has supported NPHI establishment and strengthening. From August 2019 through January 2020, we interviewed a total of 96 stakeholders, including NPHI staff (N = 43), non-NPHI government staff (N = 29) and non-governmental and international organization staff (N = 24) in Cambodia, Colombia, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zambia. We conducted a policy analysis using Tea Collins's health policy analysis framework to assess various possible options for coordinating public health functions and their likely effectiveness. The findings can be used by policymakers as they consider public health infrastructure. We found that consolidating functions in an NPHI, to the extent politically and organizationally feasible, promotes efficiency, flexibility and coordination, as well as supports data-driven health recommendations to government decision makers. Countries pursuing NPHI establishment can weigh the potential challenges and benefits of consolidating functions when determining which public health functions will comprise the NPHI, including clarity of role, access to resources, influence over decisions and political viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Carnevale
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road MS H21-7, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Mahlet A Woldetsadik
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road MS H21-7, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Arielle Shiver
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road MS H21-7, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Margaret Gutierrez
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road MS H21-7, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Chhorvann Chhea
- Cambodia National Institute of Public Health, Lot #80, Samdach Penn Nouth Blvd. (St. 289), Phnom Penh 855, Cambodia
| | - Elsie Ilori
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, 801 Ebitu Ukiwe St., Jabi 900108, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ilesh Jani
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Estrada Nacional N1, Bairro da Vila Parcela n3943, Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Jane MaCauley
- National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Congo Town Back Road, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Victor Mukonka
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Stand No. 1186 Corner Addis Ababa Drive and Chaholi Road, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | - Tajudeen Raji
- Division of Public Health Institutes and Research, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Roosevelt Street (Old Airport Area), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ellen A Spotts Whitney
- International Association of National Public Health Institutes, 1599 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Shelly Bratton
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road MS H21-7, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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8
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Keita M, Talisuna A, Chamla D, Burmen B, Cherif MS, Polonsky JA, Boland S, Barry B, Mesfin S, Traoré FA, Traoré J, Kimenyi JP, Diallo AB, Godjedo TP, Traore T, Delamou A, Ki-Zerbo GA, Dagron S, Keiser O, Gueye AS. Investing in preparedness for rapid detection and control of epidemics: analysis of health system reforms and their effect on 2021 Ebola virus disease epidemic response in Guinea. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:bmjgh-2022-010984. [PMID: 36599498 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Epidemic devastated Guinea's health system and constituted a public health emergency of international concern. Following the crisis, Guinea invested in the establishment of basic health system reforms and crucial legal instruments for strengthening national health security in line with the WHO's recommendations for ensuring better preparedness for (and, therefore, a response to) health emergencies. The investments included the scaling up of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response; Joint External Evaluation of International Health Regulation capacities; National Action Plan for Health Security; Simulation Exercises; One Health platforms; creation of decentralised structures such as regional and prefectural Emergency Operation Centres; Risk assessment and hazard identification; Expanding human resources capacity; Early Warning Alert System and community preparedness. These investments were tested in the subsequent 2021 EVD outbreak and other epidemics. In this case, there was a timely declaration and response to the 2021 EVD epidemic, a lower-case burden and mortality rate, a shorter duration of the epidemic and a significant reduction in the cost of the response. Similarly, there was timely detection, response and containment of other epidemics including Lassa fever and Marburg virus disease. Findings suggest the utility of the preparedness activities for the early detection and efficient containment of outbreaks, which, therefore, underlines the need for all countries at risk of infectious disease epidemics to invest in similar reforms. Doing so promises to be not only cost-effective but also lifesaving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mory Keita
- Emergency Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo .,Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ambrose Talisuna
- Emergency Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Dick Chamla
- Emergency Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Barbara Burmen
- Health Security Preparedness, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mahamoud Sama Cherif
- Faculty of Sciences and Health Technics, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Jonathan A Polonsky
- Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Emergency Response, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Boland
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Boubacar Barry
- Emergency Response, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Mesfin
- Emergency Response, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fodé Amara Traoré
- National Agency for Health Security, Ministry of Health, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Jean Traoré
- National Agency for Health Security, Ministry of Health, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Jean Paul Kimenyi
- Emergency Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Amadou Bailo Diallo
- Emergency Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Togbemabou Primous Godjedo
- Emergency Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Tieble Traore
- Emergency Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Alexandre Delamou
- African Centre of Excellence for the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Georges Alfred Ki-Zerbo
- Office at the African Union (AU) and Un Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Stephanie Dagron
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivia Keiser
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Abdou Salam Gueye
- Emergency Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
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Mavragani A, Al Nsour M, Alonso-Garbayo A, Al Serouri A, Maiteh A, Badr E. Health System Resilience in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Perspective on the Recent Lessons Learned. Interact J Med Res 2022; 11:e41144. [PMID: 36480685 PMCID: PMC9795408 DOI: 10.2196/41144] [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: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health has a pivotal role in strengthening resilience at individual, community, and system levels as well as building healthy communities. During crises, resilient health systems can effectively adapt in response to evolving situations and reduce vulnerability across and beyond the systems. To engage national, regional, and international public health entities and experts in a discussion of challenges hindering achievement of health system resilience (HSR) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) held its seventh regional conference in Amman, Jordan, between November 15 and 18, 2021, under the theme "Towards Resilient Health Systems in the Eastern Mediterranean: Breaking Barriers." This viewpoint paper portrays the roundtable discussion of experts on the core themes of that conference. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to provide insights on lessons learned from the past and explore new opportunities to attain more resilient health systems to break current barriers. METHODS The roundtable brought together a panel of public health experts representing Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, World Health Organization, EMPHNET, universities or academia, and research institutions at regional and global levels. To set the ground, the session began with four 10-12-minute presentations introducing the concept of HSR and its link to workforce development with an overall reflection on the matter and lessons learned through collective experiences. The presentations were followed by an open question and answer session to allow for an interactive debate among panel members and the roundtable audience. RESULTS The panel discussed challenges faced by health systems and lessons learned in times of the new public health threats to move toward more resilient health systems, overcome current barriers, and explore new opportunities to enhance the HSR. They presented field experiences in building resilient health systems and the role of FETPs with an example from Yemen FETP. Furthermore, they debated the lessons learned from COVID-19 response and how it can reshape our thinking and strategies for approaching HSR. Finally, the panel discussed how health systems can effectively adapt and prosper in the face of challenges and barriers to recover from extreme disruptions while maintaining the core functions of the health systems. CONCLUSIONS Considering the current situation in the region, there is a need to strengthen both pandemic preparedness and health systems, through investing in essential public health functions including those required for all-hazards emergency risk management. Institutionalized mechanisms for whole-of-society engagement, strengthening primary health care approaches for health security and universal health coverage, as well as promoting enabling environments for research, innovation, and learning should be ensured. Investing in building epidemiological capacity through continuous support to FETPs to work toward strengthening surveillance systems and participating in regional and global efforts in early response to outbreaks is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohannad Al Nsour
- Global Health Development, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | - Adna Maiteh
- Global Health Development, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, Amman, Jordan
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Singh P, Gupta A, Tripathi A, Dhuria M, Aggarwal P. Developing public health capacities of Frontline Public Health Workforce in Uttarakhand. INDIAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.47203/ijch.2022.v34i03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of increase in the ability of public health workforce to detect and respond to the public health threats. For timely implementation of an adequate response and mitigation measure, the standardized and sustainable capacity building programme for frontline public health workforce is the need of hour. National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in partnership with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developed a three-month in-service Basic Epidemiology Training programme. This is a tailor-made programme for frontline public health workforce to strengthen epidemiological skills. This training was a practical interactive approach to field epidemiology for three months on the job training for frontline public health workforce that addressed the critical skills needed to conduct surveillance effectively at the local level while focusing on improving disease detection, reporting and feedback. The training also demonstrated the role of learning model in form of interaction between the mentor and the mentees. The importance of handhold support given by the mentors to the mentees in quality outbreak investigations and documentation.
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Santos CV, Roth A. World Field Epidemiology Day 2022: Empowering field epidemiologists to strengthen health systems' preparedness and response to public health threats. EURO SURVEILLANCE : BULLETIN EUROPEEN SUR LES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES = EUROPEAN COMMUNICABLE DISEASE BULLETIN 2022; 27. [PMID: 36052719 PMCID: PMC9438395 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.35.2200692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam Roth
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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Averhoff F, Berg M, Rodgers M, Osmanov S, Luo X, Anderson M, Meyer T, Landay A, Gamkrelidze A, Kallas EG, Ciuoderis K, Hernandez JP, Henry JH, Osorio J, Lindo J, Deshommes J, Anzinger J, Manasa J, Alkashvili M, Souleyman M, Kaleebu P, Correa-Oliveira R, Solomon S, de Olivera T, Suputtamongkol Y, Cloherty G. The Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition: a unique multisector approach adds to global pandemic preparedness efforts. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 117:356-360. [PMID: 35134559 PMCID: PMC8817457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection and epidemiologic characterization of infectious disease outbreaks are key for early identification and response to potential pandemic threats. The rapid global spread of severe SARS-CoV-2 in 2020 highlighted the critical role of diagnostics in understanding the epidemiology of the virus early in the pandemic. As a natural extension of Abbott's work in diagnostics, virus discovery, and virus surveillance, the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC) was launched in early 2021. The APDC is a global multisector scientific and public health partnership whose primary objective is the early detection and mitigation of infectious disease threats of pandemic potential. As of January 2022, the APDC network has partners on 5 continents including academic institutions, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations. A novel element of the APDC is the capacity for early development and rapid deployment of scalable, quality diagnostics targeting newly identified pathogens of pandemic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xinxin Luo
- Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | | | - Todd Meyer
- Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | - Alan Landay
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Karl Ciuoderis
- Colombia Wisconsin One Health, University of Wisconsin & National University of Colombia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Juan Pablo Hernandez
- Colombia Wisconsin One Health, University of Wisconsin & National University of Colombia, Medellin, Colombia
| | | | - Jorge Osorio
- Colombia Wisconsin One Health, University of Wisconsin & National University of Colombia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - John Lindo
- University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | | | | | | | | | - Mboup Souleyman
- Institute for Health Research, Epidemiologic Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Sunil Solomon
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA & YRG CARE, Chennai, India
| | - Tulio de Olivera
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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WPSAR celebrates World Field Epidemiology Day. Western Pac Surveill Response J 2021; 12:1-4. [PMID: 34703630 PMCID: PMC8521131 DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2021.12.3.905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this editorial, the Editorial Team summarizes WPSAR's efforts to support and promote field epidemiology in the Western Pacific Region.
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Hilmers A. On the first World Field Epidemiology Day, honoring our disease detectives on the front lines. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 110 Suppl 1:S1-S2. [PMID: 34481071 PMCID: PMC8409053 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.08.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Hilmers
- Director of Strategic and Technical Initiatives, TEPHINET a program of the Task Force for Global Health.
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Reflections on the first World Field Epidemiology Day. Euro Surveill 2021; 26:210909m. [PMID: 34505567 PMCID: PMC8431996 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2021.26.36.210909m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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