Highlights on respiratory virus surveillance, a special JID edition, and capacity strengthening in Guyana. Read more here!
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January - March 2025
SARInet plus
Newsletter
We invite you to explore the special edition of The Journal of Infectious Diseases (JID), where we share key findings on respiratory virus surveillance.
This supplement features seven articles showcasing SARInet Plus's joint efforts to strengthen respiratory virus surveillance across the Americas, focusing on epidemiological and laboratory surveillance, disease burden, vaccine impact, and pandemic preparedness. This milestone marks 10 years of SARInet, showcasing the power of collaboration in strengthening regional surveillance.
We thank all the authors for their valuable contributions.
Supplement Articles
- 10 Years of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Network (SARInet plus): Accomplishments and Way Forward
- Pandemic Preparedness: Analyzing National Plans for Respiratory Pathogen Pandemics in the Americas Region
- From Epidemics to Pandemics: Over a Decade of Strengthening SARInet Laboratory Surveillance and Response for Respiratory Viruses in the Americas
- Strengthening the Surveillance and Response to Public Health Events With a One Health Approach: A Perspective From 12 Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean
- A Comparative Analysis of Universal and Sentinel Surveillance Data for Coronavirus Disease 2019: Insights From Argentina, Chile, and Mexico (2020–2022)
- Annual Estimation of Seasonal Influenza Burden in 6 South American Countries: A Retrospective Analysis of SARInet Surveillance Data to Inform Policies
- Influenza Vaccine-Averted Illness in Chile, Guyana, and Paraguay During 2013–2018: A Standardized Approach to Assess the Value of Vaccination
Highlights
In recent years, Guyana has taken bold steps to strengthen its capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to influenza outbreaks and other public health threats. Building on the support of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, a global initiative coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the country has expanded surveillance networks, improved data management, and enhanced laboratory capabilities, placing it on a promising path toward greater health security.
In 2024, Guyana made significant strides in public health preparedness, the country expanded its sentinel surveillance network from 4 to 12 sites, enhancing the detection of influenza and other emerging threats. It improved data sharing to PAHO and WHO by using FluID to report Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and Influenza-like Illness (ILI) data. Data management capabilities were strengthened through the implementation of the PAHO-Flu system and targeted training for health personnel.
Another major focus has been the journey to certify Guyana’s National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) as a WHO-recognized National Influenza Center. Additionally, Guyana developed a policy framework for a seasonal influenza vaccination program, set to launch in 2025. To reinforce emergency preparedness, the country established the Health Multi-Hazard Emergency Management Plan and conducted workshops to define key roles in preparedness, response, and recovery.
New tools
Following the SARInet plus regional meeting, the Data Literacy Training Project was launched to enhance the capacity of public health professionals in the Americas to effectively use respiratory virus surveillance data for evidence-based decision-making. This initiative focuses on addressing critical gaps in data collection, management, analysis, interpretation, and communication among Ministry of Health personnel across the region.
Building on existing efforts, the project offers an adaptable training catalogue and allows countries to develop tailored data literacy training curricula. These resources empower professionals to transform routine surveillance data into actionable insights, strengthening public health response to respiratory viruses.
News
Cuba Strengthens Its Preparedness for Respiratory Virus Outbreaks
From February 3 to 7, 2025, Havana hosted the Workshop for the Implementation of the Framework for a National Program for the Prevention and Control of Respiratory Virus Diseases with Epidemic and Pandemic Potential, led by PAHO and Cuban health authorities. This event marked a milestone by consolidating the country's commitment to strengthening its capacities for the surveillance and control of respiratory diseases.
Brazil Reinforces Respiratory Virus Surveillance and Advances in the Analysis of Its Economic Impact
From January 27 to 31, 2025, Brasilia hosted the Technical Cooperation Mission on Strengthening Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance, along with the Workshop on the Economic Burden of Respiratory Viruses, led by PAHO in collaboration with the Brazilian Ministry of Health. This event marked an important step in advancing the country’s technical capacities for analyzing the economic impact of respiratory diseases and enhancing the national response to respiratory epidemics and pandemics.
In 2024, PAHO strengthened pandemic preparedness by strengthening surveillance systems, training health professionals, and enhancing regional collaboration. Efforts focused on improving early detection, integrating innovative data tools, and supporting countries in updating their response plans.
As we move into 2025, PAHO remains committed to further enhancing pandemic preparedness by strengthening response coordination, improving risk communication, and ensuring equitable access to countermeasures. These actions will help countries in the Americas be better equipped to face future health threats.
Share your updates in our next newsletter!
We want to hear from you! If you have news, achievements, or updates you’d like to share with the SARInet plus community, send them our way.
Submit your contributions by May 30 to info@sarinet.org, with a copy to acostaand@paho.org, and be featured in the next edition of our newsletter
