WHO donates IT equipment to strengthen influenza data collection and analysis in Kyrgyzstan

As part of the implementation of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution in Kyrgyzstan, WHO donated information technology (IT) equipment to support the work of the influenza preparedness and response programme in Kyrgyzstan. The equipment will facilitate accurate and reliable data reporting and analysis of infectious diseases across the country.

The equipment consists of computers, printers, back-up devices, a server, air conditioners (for cooling down the server in use) and up-to-date software. WHO is also providing training to over 50 epidemiologists and medical statistical specialists from all regions to deepen their skills in electronic data management, analysis and interpretation.

Close collaboration to improve surveillance

Enhancing influenza surveillance is one of the key objectives of the PIP Framework. Since influenza viruses are constantly changing, robust influenza surveillance systems are needed to monitor changes in the circulating viruses for the development of seasonal influenza vaccines and for global pandemic surveillance.

“WHO has worked closely with the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan in the last 2 years to improve influenza surveillance in the country,” says Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Kyrgyzstan. “Collecting, analysing and understanding data on influenza is critical; this information underpins technical and political work for the benefit of all Kyrgyz citizens.”

Modernization of the electronic health system

To further improve influenza surveillance, WHO added an influenza surveillance component to the existing electronic medical statistics data collection system. This enables health professionals to enter data on influenza-like illnesses or severe acute respiratory infection into the electronic platform at the health-facility level.

It also allows for the production of electronic reports and weekly influenza surveillance bulletins. These reports compile data in graphs and tables in a single document that can then be used to inform both health decision-makers and the public.

PIP Partnership Contribution in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is one of the 5 PIP Partnership Contribution recipient countries in the WHO European Region. Substantial efforts have been made to enhance influenza preparedness and response through assessments of existing systems, training on surveillance and response, and revisions of communicable disease surveillance guidelines and response plans.

The PIP Framework is a global approach to pandemic influenza preparedness and response, which aims to improve and strengthen the sharing of influenza viruses with human pandemic potential and to improve access to vaccines and other pandemic-related supplies in developing countries.