Sharifah Nakiwala
The Ethiopian Public Health Institute’s (EPHI) National Influenza Laboratory has been designated as a World Health Organization (WHO) National Influenza Centre (NIC), and the Ethiopian laboratory has joined the WHO global influenza monitoring network, according to the WHO website.
The WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) now recognizes the Ethiopian Public Health Institute’s National Influenza Laboratory as a full member following an on-site examination by a team of WHO specialists.
According to WHO, the panel suggested that Ethiopia continue to participate to regional and global influenza monitoring, namely by increasing shipment of influenza-positive specimens to a WHO cooperating Centre for candidate influenza vaccine selection four times per year.
The evaluation team also advised Ethiopia to continue providing frequent influenza surveillance data to WHO and to continue participating in the yearly WHO GISRS external quality assurance program.
WHO emphasizes that the on-site evaluation was carried out by a WHO team comprised of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System Lead, a technical specialist from the WHO Regional Office for Africa, and a laboratory coordinator from the WHO Ethiopia Country Office.
Using a standardized assessment instrument, the assessment mission assessed the condition of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute’s National Influenza Laboratory against the WHO NIC Terms of Reference.
By identifying, prioritizing, and carrying out capacity development initiatives including training, the assessment’s recommendations will assist Ethiopia in further strengthening the recently established National Influenza Centre.
The 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework are two more initiatives that the Ethiopian National Influenza Laboratory is projected to support.
WHO and the WHO Collaborating Centres for Influenza will continue to provide the National Influenza Center with technical advice, assistance, influenza reagents, and training.
The Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, established in 1952, is a global network designed to defend people from the threat of influenza by efficient collaboration and sharing of viruses, data, and advantages based on Member States’ dedication to a global public health paradigm.
The World Health Organization has recognized the National Influenza Center of Ethiopia as a member of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, which includes 155 institutions in 125 nations.