SPC Initiative Update Research, Evidence and Information (REI) Programme PHD 57 th PIHOA Executive Meeting, Palau 9 th -12 th March, 2015 Dr Yvan Souares, Deputy Director PHD: Dr Adam Roth, Epidemiologist and Team Leader Operation and Research: Dr Damian Hoy, Epidemiologist: Ms Salanieta Duituturaga, Team Leader: Health Laboratory Strengthening: Mr Tebuka Toatu, Laboratory Specialist:

Presentation Outline: Brief epidemiological overview PPHSN Enhanced surveillance for mass gatherings REI Achievements/Outcomes for 2014 REI Planned activities for 2015

Brief epidemiological overview

Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network (PPHSN)

What is PPHSN? PPHSN is a voluntary network of countries/territories and institutions/ organisations – 1996, SPC & WHO Dedicated to promotion of public health surveillance & response Current focus on CDs: outbreak-prone diseases PPHSN Goal is to improve public health surveillance and response in the Pacific Islands, in a sustainable way

PPHSN Institutional Framework

PPHSN services PacNet LabNet EpiNet PICNet - Pacific Island Countries and Territories Alert and Communication Verification and Identification Investigation and Response Infection Control

LabNet A three-tier level network of laboratories L1 labs – labs of the PPHSN member countries. L2 labs – are regional labs which perform the first level of confirmation testing for L1 labs. L3 labs – are PPHSN reference laboratories. Perform more sophisticated testing important for epidemiological and surveillance information. Provides recommendations and support for shipping and testing of specimens.

Enhanced surveillance for mass gatherings

Mass gatherings Potential for communicable diseases to spread efficiently and rapidly. Enhanced surveillance (ES) is increasingly being used for mass gatherings: 1.Detecting and responding to disease outbreaks in a timely and effective manner; 2.Durable surveillance system improvements; and 3.Disseminating epidemiological information through the Region to assist with preparedness.

REI Achievements since 2014 to date: Collaborate with PIHOA and other PPHSN partners to the delivery of the DDM four-module course in the USAPIs. Completion of DDM1 in Guam and Palau Completion of DDM2 and DDM3 in Guam Establish and coordinate the delivery of the PPHSN Strengthening Health Intervention in the Pacific Programme (PPHSN-SHIP). Assist in establishing evidence-based policies to contribute controlling the regional NCD crisis. Support the evaluation of the outcomes of NCD-related policies in place, e.g. tobacco-free, soft drinks and/or salt and/or healthy local food consumption.

REI Achievements since 2014 to date: Support Public Health Surveillance during the Micronesian Games, July Networking with PPHSN partners on current outbreaks as reported in the weekly Surveillance Syndromic Report. Provided TA support to Pohnpei State Laboratory to strengthen Lab-based surveillance. Completion of pre and post assessment report on Microbiology and lab-based surveillance systems for Pohnpei State Laboratory.

REI Achievements since 2014 to date: Conducted capacity building on microbiology and parasitology testing processes at Pohnpei State Laboratory. Completed laboratory M&E for TB and STI/HIV and follow up on outbreak prone diseases and microbiology testing processes for Chuuk, Pohnpei, RMI (Majuro and Ebeye) and Palau. In collaboration with WHO and PIHOA, co-facilitated Ebola Preparedness and Infection Control training for FSM. Provided constant off-shore technical advice and support to RMI on the maintenance issues for their BD Probe Tec Analyser. Contributed and provided technical advice during the 2015 AUL meeting in Guam.

REI Planned Activities in the USAPIs for 2015: Consultation with Guam DOH and PIHOA including other key stakeholders in the planning and strengthening of public health surveillance – 2016 FOPA in Guam. Conduct DDM 4 (May) in Guam Conduct DDM 5: “Supervision of research or surveillance projects”

REI Planned activities in the USAPIs for 2015: Microbiology upskilling training at GPHL – SPC/PIHOA capacity building initiative for GPHL. Strengthening of laboratory-based surveillance systems and linking it to syndromic surveillance at GPHL. Ongoing consultation and assist PIHOA in the laboratory strengthening activities including LQMS implementations of L1 laboratories in the USAPIs.

Acknowledgements PPHSN core members: all PICTs PPHSN allied partners: PIHOA, WHO, CDC, FNU, SPC, RAPID Funders: French Fund, Australia DFAT, NZAID, CDC, EU