Strengthening surveillance of and response to foodborne diseases: stage two manual: strengthening indicator-based surveillance

Overview

This publication updates the document published in 2017 entitled “Strengthening surveillance of and response to foodborne diseases: a practical manual. Stage 2. Strengthening indicator-based surveillance”.

Guidance is provided for countries strengthening indicator-based surveillance as part of a stage two system. Approaches for detecting and analysing laboratory confirmed cases, monitoring trends, identifying outbreaks, supporting rapid risk assessment, and guiding multisectoral actions are described.

Steps for strengthening laboratory-based surveillance, notifiable disease surveillance, event-based surveillance, rapid risk assessment, response, and the use of ad hoc or periodic studies are detailed.

Updates include a vision for surveillance and response aligned with the strategic goals outlined in the self-assessment. Decision trees are linked to these goals, with new decision trees added for rapid risk assessment, response, ad hoc or periodic studies, and monitoring and evaluation. Case studies have been added to illustrate the application of concepts, and links to surveillance bulletins highlight examples of data use.

A new annex introduces the potential role of artificial intelligence in supporting foodborne disease surveillance. An implementation tool is provided to support countries in reviewing current capacities, identifying gaps, and determining priority actions for strengthening their systems.