Kikundi voices post validation surveillance

As countries approach the threshold of NTD elimination, it becomes imperative to transition from control activities to robust post-validation surveillance systems. Post-validation surveillance, a critical phase in the NTD elimination continuum, involves the sustained monitoring of disease prevalence and intensity to prevent resurgence and ensure the maintenance of disease-free status.

This phase necessitates meticulous planning, resource allocation, and the establishment of robust surveillance networks that can promptly detect and respond to any potential resurgence. Advanced diagnostic tools, spatial modeling, and data analytics play pivotal roles in post-validation surveillance, enabling real-time tracking of disease dynamics and facilitating evidence-based decision-making. Additionally, sustained community engagement, capacity-building, and cross-sectoral collaborations remain essential components in maintaining the gains achieved in NTD elimination efforts. This comprehensive approach to post-validation surveillance is vital for consolidating progress, safeguarding public health, and preventing the re-emergence of NTDs in previously endemic regions.

During Kikundi’s annual site visit in Senegal conducted from 13th to 17th February 2023, 14 neglected tropical diseases (NTD) Program Managers (PMs) discussed their experiences, successes, and challenges around post-elimination monitoring and surveillance. A panel composed of the PMs from Senegal, Rwanda, and Togo presented specific experiences from their countries, followed by a discussion moderated by the Head of MSAS Surveillance Division & Head of Senegalese Doctor’s Association of Senegal.