Event highlights
The Health Security in Türkiye project (HSP) took a major step forward with the launch of its Vector Surveillance component. The 5-day workshop, inaugurated by Dr Muhammed Emin Demirkol, Director General of Public Health, brought together a diverse group of experts from the Ministry of Health, academia, and research centres to develop a comprehensive Vector Surveillance Roadmap and contribute to strengthening Türkiye’s health security, with a particular focus on earthquake-affected regions.
Held from 13 to 17 January 2025, the workshop aimed to establish a scientifically sound, standardized approach to vector surveillance. Vectors and the pathogens they carry are expanding globally due to various factors, including human-induced factors. Global climate change has led to geographic and population changes of vectors and their migration towards the northern hemisphere, including Türkiye and its neighbours. These changes in population and reproduction have increased the risk of public health threats from vector-borne diseases.
In developing the Vector Surveillance Roadmap, the workshop focused on providing a model that can be adapted to all provinces to enhance the country’s overall preparedness for vector-borne diseases through a strong surveillance system and effective risk analysis, critical for an effective early warning system.
The workshop’s key objectives included assessing the current capacity of the Ministry of Health for surveillance and epidemiology of vector-borne diseases, providing an overview of vectors through an integrated approach encompassing modelling and the Geographic Information System and establishing strategic goals to enhance response mechanisms. Through a series of sessions, participants worked on defining the necessary steps to improve vector collection and monitoring capabilities and to create an actionable roadmap that can be used in earthquake-affected areas, with the aim of developing a roadmap for the surveillance of mosquitoes, sandflies, and tick vector groups based on a laboratory-field-laboratory axis.
“We are pleased to launch this important initiative, which will strengthen our ability to address vector-borne diseases,” said Dr Priyakanta Nayak, HSP Coordinator. “This workshop represents a significant step in enhancing public health protection, particularly in regions impacted by natural disasters.”
The outcomes from this workshop included an easy-to-use roadmap for vector surveillance, which will be applicable nationwide once pilot implementation is completed. Additionally, a list of the necessary consumables and equipment for vector surveillance was developed, alongside communication strategies outlining roles and responsibilities during emergencies. Advisory committees were also determined to guide the ongoing process.
Workshop participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health, the WHO Türkiye Country Office, universities, research centres, the Ministry of the Interior, the Turkish Red Crescent, as well as local authorities. These stakeholders worked together to ensure that Türkiye is well-equipped to address vector-borne diseases and strengthen health security across the country and beyond.
Event Notice
Ankara, Türkiye, 13–17 January 2025
The Health Security in Türkiye project (HSP) is launching a workshop on vector surveillance, bringing together professionals from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Interior, the Turkish Red Crescent, academia, research centres, and other relevant stakeholders. The workshop will be held on 13–17 January 2025 in Ankara.
The workshop aims to strengthen the capacity of professionals to address vector-related public health threats, enhancing preparedness and response at national and international level. Participants will define key actions to improve vector monitoring and develop a practical roadmap that can be used in earthquake-affected areas.