Strengthening cross-sectoral coordination on influenza and respiratory pathogen surveillance in Viet Nam

In order to discuss the coordination, strengthening and scope of sentinel surveillance at one or more selected sites in Viet Nam, the General Department of Preventive Medicine (GDPM) of the Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with the Department of Animal Health (DAH) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), with the coordination support from the Viet Nam One Health Partnership for Zoonoses Secretariat Office, organised a technical meeting of representatives of national and international agencies on “Coordinated Influenza and Respiratory Pathogen Surveillance” in Hanoi on January 25, 2016. Results from the presentations and discussion sessions at the meeting provide a proof of concept for better linking human, animal, and wildlife surveillance for influenza and other respiratory pathogens, and for considering interventions to disrupt amplification and spread of important respiratory pathogens.

The meeting covered four main themes, as follows:

·        Surveillance Systems and Results in Viet Nam

·        More Detailed Characteristics of Influenza Viruses

·        Value Chains, Interfaces and Transmission Risks

·        Enhancing and Expanding Coordinated Surveillance

At the closing session, Dr Dang Quang Tan, the Deputy Director-General of GDPM, affirmed the importance of strengthening surveillance and cross-sectoral information sharing. He noted that the number of pathogens selected for aligned surveillance efforts should be feasible, taking into account laboratory capacity and locations, sampling and testing protocols, and materials. Quang Ninh or Lang Son in the north, and Dong Thap or Can Tho in the south, might be appropriate sites, pending further consideration on criteria, budgets, and plans.

Mdm. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Deputy Director-General of DAH, confirmed that basic agreement had been reached, however further detailed discussions were needed.  She noted that all sectors had prioritised influenza. She clarified DAH’s role, highlighting Circular 16 on collaboration between the animal health and human health sectors on zoonoses as a reference for information sharing. She noted an upcoming agriculture sector surveillance conference, and recommended a preparation meeting of all sectors prior to this for detailed discussions to reach agreement on the design, selection of pathogens, and related protocols, taking a step-by-step approach to promoting One Health surveillance.

Report on this surveillance meeting could be found at OHP website: http://onehealth.org.vn/documents/./.