Infectious Hazard Management Newsletter- January 2022

20 May 2022
Departmental update
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Infectious Hazard Management Newsletter- January 2022

IN THE SPOTLIGHT


Sri Lanka undertakes seroprevalence study to measure SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

The WHO Health Emergencies team is providing support to Sri Lanka country office to first identify the protection level of the population to COVID-19 and then to evaluate population level immunity through antibody testing to identify seroprevalence. The findings will help identify and monitor population immunity gaps for necessary interventions in controlling community transmission. Read more  

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE:
SUPPORT OF THE HEALTH OPERATIONS PILLAR 
Genomic sequencing and bioinformatics strengthening through training and developing of SoPs
  
The Infectious Hazard Management Unit of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office is providing genome sequencing support and technical assistance in bioinformatics analysis and scientific interpretation of genomic data to its Member states. As part of the collaboration with the Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB), laboratory standard operating procedures are being finalized for sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Read more 

UPDATES ON INFECTIOUS HAZARD MANAGEMENT (IHM) 

Seasonal, pandemic and zoonotic influenza activities

WHO e-infectious substance shipping training rolled out 

Online technology-based solutions have assured diagnostic testing, related to COVID-19. An online recertification platform for shipment of infectious substances (Eisst) is improving availability of shippers in emergency settings. A proposed SoP for Blended Training Approach has been finalized where Regional and other trainers will select participants based on known country/ regional/ programmatic needs. So far 22 participants from Member countries have enrolled in the programme. Read more
  
High threat pathogens 

SEARO spearheads a strategic roadmap for “Defeating meningitis by 2030” in the region

The “Defeating Meningitis by 2030” global public health challenge was taken up by WHO along with partners who collaborated to develop a strategy roadmap. This was based on a landscape analysis and other factors such as current regional priorities, current country prioritization plans, and in particular, potential country commitment to participate. Member states are now being prioritized for the roll- out of the global roadmap in SEAR. Read more  

 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS 

  • Webinars organized by the International Federation of Infection Control (IFIC) & Association of Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) (Click here) 

 RESOURCES 

  • IPC Hub HQ-WHO Global Infection Prevention and Control Network (GIPCN) - (Click here) 
  • Global analysis of health care waste in the context of COVID-19 - (Click here) 
  • Water and sanitation for health facility improvement tool (WASH FIT) - (Click here) 
  • Global analysis of waste in the context of COVID-19: Launch webinar on YouTube - (Click here) 
CONTACT US 
Dr. Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe, Programme Area Manager
Infectious Hazard Management, WHO Regional Office for SEA