Epidemiological Surveillance and Control of Communicable Disease: Basis for Evidence Based Health Promotion and Early Response - Practical Perspective

Abstract

The adoption by WHO’s member states of the International Health Regulations (2005) represents a paradigm shift away from mandatory reporting of specific diseases to a requirement for ministries of health to notify WHO concerning any potential Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The European Union (EU) has also issued legislation on CDS&C, epidemic early warning and response, bioterrorism, and large number of related fields, including food safety, water quality, zoonotic diseases, blood safety, border controls, data protection and confidentiality etc, that are binding on EU member states. Harmonisation of national public health legislation to this acquis communautaire is a requirement for accession to the EU. This paper reviews the key guidance on strengthening CDS&C systems to meet the IHR and EU requirements, and it attempts to give a brief overview of international resources and implementation activities. If WHO member states are to respect the deadline of 2012 for achieving the stated IHR minimum core capacities, significant domestic investment will also be required, particularly for laboratory strengthening. Furthermore, Field Epidemiology Training Programmes and laboratory scientist training schemes will need to be established within the context of attractive careers in public health.