An Innovative Approach to Surveillance Training in the African Region

Abstract

The increase in technology use in Africa provides an opportunity to advance training delivery. The World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO-AFRO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed an electronic learning course targeting district and national surveillance health officers responsible for disease prevention, detection and response functions. The e-Learning course is based on the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response framework which incorporates core capacities for the International Health Regulations (2005) and supports the prevent-detect-respond goals of the Global Health Security Agenda. The course was piloted in 7 African countries, and will be implemented in 47 WHO-AFRO countries.