Strengthening surveillance of foodborne diseases
Laboratory and epidemiology capacities: Global Foodborne Infections Network (GFN)
Among the first initiatives to strengthen surveillance systems for foodborne disease was the establishment, in January 2000, of the Global Foodborne Infections Network (GFN) which is a global capacity building network on foodborne and other enteric infections, consisting of institutions and individuals working in human health as well as veterinary and food-related disciplines. The Global Foodborne Infections Network (GFN) strives to enhance the capacity and quality of foodborne pathogen isolation, identification, serotyping, and antimicrobial resistance testing throughout the world and support local interventions that reduce the human health burden of foodborne diseases. Improving participants' skills in the development of foodborne disease surveillance and outbreak investigation is a key focus of the network. The Global Foodborne Infections Network (GFN) programme elements include:
- regional and national training courses
- an external quality assurance system (EQAS)
- a global country databank of annual Salmonella surveillance summaries
- reference testing services
- a moderated electronic discussion group
- a web site: Global Foodborne Infections Network (GFN)
Through these and other activities, the Global Foodborne Infections Network (GFN) continues to strengthen the capacity of local, national and regional laboratories, with the ultimate goal of reducing the global burden of foodborne diseases.