Operationalizing Cooperative Research for Infectious Disease Surveillance: Lessons Learned and Ways Forward

Abstract

The current COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the need for urgent and on-demand solutions to provide diagnostics, treatment and preventative measures for infectious disease outbreaks. Once solutions are developed, meeting capacities depends on the ability to mitigate technical, logistical and production issues. While it is difficult to predict the next outbreak, augmenting investments in preparedness, such as infectious disease surveillance, is far more effective than mustering last-minute response funds. Bringing research outputs into practice sooner rather than later is part of an agile approach to pivot and deliver solutions. Cooperative multi- country research programs, especially those funded by global biosecurity programs, develop capacity that can be applied to infectious disease surveillance and research that enhances detection, identification, and response to emerging and re-emerging pathogens with epidemic or pandemic potential. Moreover, these programs enhance trust building among partners, which is essential because setting expectation and commitment are required for successful research and training. Measuring research outputs, evaluating outcomes and justifying continual investments are essential but not straightforward. Lessons learned include those related to reducing biological threats and maturing capabilities for national laboratory diagnostics strategy and related health systems. Challenges, such as growing networks, promoting scientific transparency, data and material sharing, sustaining funds and developing research strategies remain to be fully resolved. Here, experiences from several programs highlight successful partnerships that provide ways forward to address the next outbreak.

Modern technologies and solutions to enhance surveillance and response systems for emerging zoonotic diseases

“…Modern technologies and solutions have great potential to enhance our capacity to monitor and create response systems for emerging zoonotic diseases [ 21 ]. These technological advancements show potential as feasible approaches for enhancing emerging zoonotic disease control; however, further research and evidence synthesis are required to establish their effectiveness and practical implementation.…”

Cooperative Research and Infectious Disease Surveillance: A 2021 Epilogue

“…Global frameworks such as the International Health Regulations, 2005 and the Global Health Security Agenda have enhanced many national and local surveillance systems that incorporate effective diagnostic testing. This work often starts with cooperative and multi-country research, especially those funded by global biosecurity programs, that increase capacity and capability to prevent, detect and respond to epidemics and pandemics ( 1 ).…”