Equipped with his cold box and notepad, Dr Mohamed Saleh rushes from health facility to health facility. It is flu season in north-west Syrian Arab Republic and he has been called by health workers to follow-up with patients showing signs of influenza.
Influenza viruses are one of the greatest threats to global public health associated with potential catastrophic social and economic impact. Influenza viruses are constantly changing. They could evolve to a format of virus for which humans have little immunity, thus leading to a new influenza pandemic. Countries around the globe are constantly monitoring the circulating influenza viruses and Syrian Arab Republic is not an exception, even in turmoil. With little resources, the ability to monitor outbreaks is maintained.
In the absence of routine surveillance during the ongoing conflict, Syrian Arab Republic public health and medical personnel in north-west Syrian Arab Republic, supported by WHO, are focusing on early warning and response efforts. Clusters of infections need prompt investigation, as well as appropriate infection control and rapid laboratory diagnostics to ensure health needs are met.