Actions to strengthen the epidemiological surveillance system in Equatorial Guinea

Training in Notifiable Diseases (EDO system).

The specialized training on Notifiable Diseases (EDO) conducted for consultation staff and focal points of the Health Centers of Malabo, Bata, Kogo, Evinayong, Akonibe, Añisok and Ebibeyín was very productive.

Through two training courses: one in Malabo, from October 29 to 31, and another in Bata, from December 3 to 5, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), with the aim of strengthening the skills of health personnel to identify, report and respond in a timely manner to pathologies that require immediate epidemiological surveillance.

During the training sessions, the main events subject to mandatory reporting in the national context, communication flows, early warning systems and procedures for effective notification within the Integrated Health Surveillance System were reviewed.

Thanks to the theoretical and practical content provided, a total of 70 professionals from the different health districts strengthened their skills in the early detection of outbreaks, which is a key element for improving the capacity of the extra-hospital response and, consequently, reducing the response times to public health emergencies.

The activity, framed within the project “ Strengthening the capacities of the National Health System and the citizenry to respond to health emergencies and urgent situations ”, financed by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and executed by the Religious Foundation for Health (FRS) together with the Ministry of Health, Social Welfare and Health Infrastructure (MINSABSIS) of Equatorial Guinea, was very well received.

The collaboration between FRS, WHO and the Ministry of Health demonstrates the joint commitment to consolidating a more prepared, coordinated and efficient health system in the face of epidemiological threats.