NIH implementing disease surveillance, response project

Islamabad: A team of the National Institute of Health's (NIH) Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) visited the basic health unit in Shah Allah Ditta area for the implementation of IDSR Phase-I.

During the visit, the team assessed the existing infrastructure and facilities for data collection and dissemination of information in the district. Earlier, the NIH conducted a lecture on the IDSR system in Pakistan.

Dr. Naveed Syed from Public Health England gave an overview of the IDSR and highlighted the importance of diseases surveillance, immediate reporting of notifiable diseases and data flow. Scientific officers from all departments of the institute participated in the lecture. Meanwhile, the NIH Field Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division conducted a lecture on communication skills.

Senior Editor for Research and Publications from Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program Tabinda Malik delivered the lecture. She highlighted the goals and principles of effective communication. The editor talked about formal and informal communication and its importance.

The representatives of different NIH divisions and FELTP students attended the lecture. Also, the NIH Field Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division with the collaboration of the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (FELTP) conducted an introductory session on 'Mosquito Alert Pakistan App'. Medical entomologist Aaliya Jabeen highlighted the importance of this android based application.