TABLE 3.

Best Practices and Innovations in Comprehensive Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance Implementation in the WHO Western Pacific Region, by WHO Surveillance Function

Surveillance Support FunctionsBest Practices and Innovations
Laboratory
  • Using the same equipment, reagents, and supplies for testing multiple VPDs

  • Integrating trainings on laboratory techniques applicable to multiple VPDs (e.g., bacterial VPD confirmation)

  • Using multiplex tests or multiple tests of the same syndromic sample

Workforce capacity
  • Preservice and on-the-job competency-based training programs to strengthen surveillance data capacity at all levels of the surveillance workforce

  • Adequate number of trained and experienced staff to conduct case detection, notification, investigation, reporting, and response

Governance
  • Engagement of national EPI in the process of development and implementation of integrated surveillance

  • Government leadership in fostering collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors

  • National funding for integrated surveillance operations

  • Quality operational guidelines for surveillance of multiple VPDs

Data management and use
  • Integrated/interoperable information systems, including different VPDs based on EPI user requirements and local context

  • Linkage between epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data for individual cases

  • Joint epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data review meetings

  • Triangulation of coverage and VPD surveillance data to better identify immunity gaps in the population

  • Surveillance data use for EPI planning

  • Integrated VPD serosurveys and data use for EPI planning

Field logistics and communication
  • Using the same shipment mechanisms for specimen transport for multiple VPDs

  • Using information and communication technology tools for clinician sensitization and notification of suspect cases to strengthen the representativeness and timeliness of reporting

Coordination
  • Linking surveillance to EPI program units for data review, dissemination, and use

  • Emergency Operations Center’s coordination of surveillance, outbreak investigation, and response

Program management
  • VPD surveillance reviews, including multiple VPDs

  • VPD surveillance workforce needs are addressed at all levels as part of the national human resource planning

Supervision
  • Regular supportive supervisory visits provided to surveillance staff of all administrative levels

  • Abbreviations: EPI, Expanded Program on Immunization; VPD, vaccine-preventable disease; WHO, World Health Organization.