Surveillance
WHO/Mick Mulders
Vaccine-preventable diseases cannot be controlled, eliminated or eradicated without well-functioning surveillance systems, which provide the evidence needed for informed immunization policies, strategies and responses.
WHO/Europe supports surveillance in the European Region by:
- helping Member States develop more effective surveillance systems, including laboratory systems;
- assisting Member States in monitoring and tracking disease outbreaks; and
- helping to cultivate regional laboratory networks for both existing and new vaccines.
Surveillance networks
As part of its work in this area, WHO/Europe coordinates regional laboratory networks for polio, measles and rubella, and rotavirus, and provides hands-on technical support and training, helping introduce new laboratory and data management standards, systems and policies. It also shares important information, such as clinical and diagnostic guidelines. WHO/Europe also accredits national and subnational laboratories, helpling these labs to work safely and follow essential principles of laboratory quality.
