Implications of the International Health Regulations (2005) for communicable disease surveillance systems: Tunisia's experience

Abstract Background In May 2005, the revised International Health Regulations, known as IHR (2005), were adopted in response to the evolving nature of communicable diseases (CD) and the rapid increase in global trade and travel. CD surveillance is an integral part of a country's core requiremen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Public health (London) Vol. 121; no. 9; pp. 690 - 695
Main Authors:	Lyons, S, Zidouh, A, Ali Bejaoui, M, Ben Abdallah, M, Amine, S, Garbouj, M, Fitzner, J
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01-09-2007
Subjects:	Communicable disease Communicable Disease Control - methods Communicable Disease Control - standards Global Health Humans Infectious Disease Internal Medicine International Cooperation Population Surveillance - methods Revised international health regulations Surveillance Tunisia Tunisia - epidemiology Tunisia Communicable disease Surveillance Tunisia Revised international health regulations
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Summary:	Abstract Background In May 2005, the revised International Health Regulations, known as IHR (2005), were adopted in response to the evolving nature of communicable diseases (CD) and the rapid increase in global trade and travel. CD surveillance is an integral part of a country's core requirements under the regulations. Methods The implications of these requirements were assessed as part of a review of the national CD surveillance system of Tunisia using a qualitative methodology of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Results Tunisia is some way towards meeting the requirements of IHR (2005) while some specific areas that need to be addressed are highlighted for improvement: standardization of surveillance documents, strengthening the role of the laboratory in surveillance, increased human resources and training. Conclusions Tunisia's experience can offer some lessons to other countries in this process. While meeting the capacity obligations of IHR (2005) requires investment and commitment, this investment will enable countries to better protect themselves against public health emergencies arising within their borders and threatening from elsewhere in the world.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	0033-3506 1476-5616
DOI:	10.1016/j.puhe.2007.02.013