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A growing global network's role in outbreak response: AFHSC-GEIS 2008-2009
Matthew C Johns1, Ronald L Burke, Kelly G Vest
1Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, 11800 Tech Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA. Matthew.C.Johns@us.army.mil
BMC Public Health
|March 11, 2011
Summary
The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System (AFHSC-GEIS) identified 76 outbreaks in 53 countries. This global network supports international cooperation for early detection and rapid response to emerging infectious disease threats.
Area of Science:
- Global health security
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- International public health
Background:
- Effective disease surveillance requires early identification and rapid response to prevent infectious disease spread.
- International cooperation is crucial due to the global nature of disease transmission via travel and migration.
- Emerging infectious diseases pose a significant threat to public health and require robust surveillance systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System (AFHSC-GEIS) in identifying and responding to global infectious disease outbreaks.
- To demonstrate the importance of international collaboration in disease surveillance efforts.
- To showcase the system's support for global health initiatives, including the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a global network of international partners and overseas research laboratories for disease surveillance.
- Monitored and identified infectious disease outbreaks worldwide.
- Collaborated with host country partners and supported military forces during health crises.
Main Results:
- Identified 76 infectious disease outbreaks across 53 countries between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2009.
- Provided support for military forces affected by the 2009 novel influenza A/H1N1 pandemic.
- Activities were conducted in alignment with the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005).
Conclusions:
- The AFHSC-GEIS network is a vital system for identifying, analyzing, and responding to emerging disease threats globally.
- International partnerships and adherence to frameworks like IHR (2005) strengthen global disease surveillance capabilities.
- Continued development of the AFHSC-GEIS network enhances global preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks.
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