Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalizations due to acute lower respiratory infections in infants and young children. Surveillance will provide the evidence base to guide the development of RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies and inform immunization policy and practice. A three-year pilot project (2016-18) successfully tested the feasibility of implementing RSV surveillance based on the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) in 14 countries across all six WHO regions. A meeting scheduled in June 2020 to review the progress of RSV surveillance. The overall aim of this meeting is to review the progress of implementation and challenges in RSV surveillance, identify solutions and develop action plans to overcome the challenges and disruptions in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO Meeting to Review Progress in Phase-2 of the RSV Surveillance based on the GISRS
A meeting scheduled in June 2020 to review the progress of RSV surveillance was canceled as response to the COVID-19 pandemic was the top priority for countries at that time. The proposed meeting will bring together all participating countries, international experts and other stakeholders to review the progress of implementation, challenges and disruptions in RSV surveillance, and review and finalize action plans for RSV surveillance workplans for 2021-22 in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.
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