Table 1. Open in new tab Public Health...

Category

Details

Countries for Which the Theme Was Mentioned

Surveillance and monitoring

Many countries have established or enhanced sentinel surveillance systems for respiratory viruses. These systems have been integrated with broader public health frameworks, enabling early detection of outbreaks such as H5N1 avian influenza and COVID-19, thus improving public health response.

Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Paraguay, Panama, Uruguay

Laboratory strengthening

Across the region, a key outcome was the enhancement of laboratory capacities. Countries have upgraded their laboratory capacities by incorporating molecular diagnostic tools (eg, real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction), decentralizing molecular diagnostics, and integrating genomic sequencing. Other elements, such as provision of supplies and reagents, training of staff, and development of diagnostic protocols, have been instrumental for the detection and surveillance of respiratory viruses. The exchange of avian influenza A/H5N1 samples from animals and humans with the WHO Collaborating Centers has been reinforced, thereby facilitating the risk assessments and decisions for the selection of vaccines and strengthening pandemic preparedness.

Chile, Cuba, Uruguay, Paraguay

Capacity building

Capacity-building efforts have included training in epidemiology, molecular techniques, and bioinformatics, as well as workshops of lessons learned and intersectoral response across the region. These initiatives have ensured the readiness of health personnel to respond to epidemics and pandemics, keeping an emphasis on intersectoral cooperation using a One Health approach.

Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay

Impact and outcomes

The collective efforts in the region have resulted in improved public health outcomes, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and avian influenza outbreaks in Latin America and the Caribbean. All together, these initiatives have demonstrated the value of intersectoral approaches to public health, with enhanced capacity to respond to emerging health threats.

Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Panama

Table 1.

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Public Health Impact of SARInet Technical Collaboration

Category	Details	Countries for Which the Theme Was Mentioned
Surveillance and monitoring	Many countries have established or enhanced sentinel surveillance systems for respiratory viruses. These systems have been integrated with broader public health frameworks, enabling early detection of outbreaks such as H5N1 avian influenza and COVID-19, thus improving public health response.	Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Paraguay, Panama, Uruguay
Laboratory strengthening	Across the region, a key outcome was the enhancement of laboratory capacities. Countries have upgraded their laboratory capacities by incorporating molecular diagnostic tools (eg, real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction), decentralizing molecular diagnostics, and integrating genomic sequencing. Other elements, such as provision of supplies and reagents, training of staff, and development of diagnostic protocols, have been instrumental for the detection and surveillance of respiratory viruses. The exchange of avian influenza A/H5N1 samples from animals and humans with the WHO Collaborating Centers has been reinforced, thereby facilitating the risk assessments and decisions for the selection of vaccines and strengthening pandemic preparedness.	Chile, Cuba, Uruguay, Paraguay
Capacity building	Capacity-building efforts have included training in epidemiology, molecular techniques, and bioinformatics, as well as workshops of lessons learned and intersectoral response across the region. These initiatives have ensured the readiness of health personnel to respond to epidemics and pandemics, keeping an emphasis on intersectoral cooperation using a One Health approach.	Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay
Impact and outcomes	The collective efforts in the region have resulted in improved public health outcomes, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and avian influenza outbreaks in Latin America and the Caribbean. All together, these initiatives have demonstrated the value of intersectoral approaches to public health, with enhanced capacity to respond to emerging health threats.	Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Panama

Category	Details	Countries for Which the Theme Was Mentioned
Surveillance and monitoring	Many countries have established or enhanced sentinel surveillance systems for respiratory viruses. These systems have been integrated with broader public health frameworks, enabling early detection of outbreaks such as H5N1 avian influenza and COVID-19, thus improving public health response.	Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Paraguay, Panama, Uruguay
Laboratory strengthening	Across the region, a key outcome was the enhancement of laboratory capacities. Countries have upgraded their laboratory capacities by incorporating molecular diagnostic tools (eg, real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction), decentralizing molecular diagnostics, and integrating genomic sequencing. Other elements, such as provision of supplies and reagents, training of staff, and development of diagnostic protocols, have been instrumental for the detection and surveillance of respiratory viruses. The exchange of avian influenza A/H5N1 samples from animals and humans with the WHO Collaborating Centers has been reinforced, thereby facilitating the risk assessments and decisions for the selection of vaccines and strengthening pandemic preparedness.	Chile, Cuba, Uruguay, Paraguay
Capacity building	Capacity-building efforts have included training in epidemiology, molecular techniques, and bioinformatics, as well as workshops of lessons learned and intersectoral response across the region. These initiatives have ensured the readiness of health personnel to respond to epidemics and pandemics, keeping an emphasis on intersectoral cooperation using a One Health approach.	Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay
Impact and outcomes	The collective efforts in the region have resulted in improved public health outcomes, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and avian influenza outbreaks in Latin America and the Caribbean. All together, these initiatives have demonstrated the value of intersectoral approaches to public health, with enhanced capacity to respond to emerging health threats.	Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Panama

Abbreviation: SARInet, Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Surveillance Network.

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