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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
14:56
Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
[Response capacity for epidemic emergencies: recommendations for country self-evaluation]
1Grupo de Investigaciones en VIH/SIDA, Subdirección de Epidemiología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí. Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km. 6 1/2, La Lisa, La Habana, Cuba 17100. angela@ipk.sld.cu
Summary
Strengthening health systems is crucial for managing epidemic emergencies. This involves developing effective surveillance, prevention, and response systems to protect national resources and public health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Systems Strengthening
Context:
- Recent outbreaks of communicable diseases highlight their potential to cause widespread emergencies.
- The SARS epidemic demonstrated the vulnerability of unprepared health systems.
- Governments acknowledge the need to bolster national capacities for epidemic preparedness.
Purpose:
- To identify essential components for effective epidemic-emergency response systems.
- To guide governmental efforts, supported by international organizations, in building robust public health infrastructure.
- To establish appropriate and effective warning and response systems for epidemic emergencies.
Summary:
- Communicable diseases pose significant threats, capable of overwhelming national resources.
- Strengthened health systems with epidemic response capacity are vital for future contingencies.
- Key components are identified to guide governments in establishing effective warning and epidemic-emergency response systems.
Impact:
- Enhanced national capacity to manage and mitigate epidemic emergencies.
- Improved public health security and resilience against infectious disease threats.
- Effective international collaboration to support national epidemic preparedness and response efforts.
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