In a crucial moment for public health in Mozambique, the National Institute of Health (INS) is leading a meeting of experts in Maputo aimed at refining strategies to address the growing threats of influenza and other respiratory pathogens. Over four intensive days, professionals from various fields of public health and laboratory science will gather to discuss preparation and response to potential epidemics and pandemics.
Focusing on strengthening the surveillance system for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and ensuring the country is ready to face any respiratory health crisis that may arise, from common flu to more lethal viruses, the meeting is of great importance.
Denise Langa, head of the Health Surveillance Department at INS, did not hesitate to outline the current challenges: "We need a continuous generation of robust, timely, and comprehensive information to monitor and respond to these threats," she said.
The ARI surveillance coordinator, Almiro Tivane, emphasized the importance of a tripartite approach: laboratories, epidemiology, and public health. According to him, laboratories are the first line of defense in identifying viruses and variants with pandemic potential. Epidemiology monitors disease trends and seasonality, helping to identify the most vulnerable groups to severe illness.
However, it is public health that provides the final touch, supplying the necessary data to measure the impact of ARIs on the population. This information will allow the Ministry of Health and its partners to effectively adjust their interventions.
The annual meeting is divided into three main areas: strategic, where advances and challenges are analyzed alongside the sustainability of surveillance; operational, focused on reviewing technical procedures; and finally, a refresher training to ensure that all participants are updated on monitoring tools and methods.
With the sentinel surveillance platform for ARIs, introduced in 2013 and exemplarily utilized during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mozambique stands out for its agile response.
The country continues to invest in the sustainability and resilience of its health system, seeking not only to react but also to anticipate new threats.
This collective effort reinforces the commitment of INS and its partners to keep Mozambique at the forefront in the fight against respiratory diseases, ensuring that the country is prepared for the future.
(By Rafael Langa)
