The African Network for Influenza Surveillance and Epidemiology (ANISE) is a collaborative network of professionals, which includes laboratory experts, epidemiologists, public health officials, medical practitioners, veterinarians, researchers, and decision-makers. Together, they are dedicated to enhancing Africa’s capabilities in monitoring and researching influenza and various respiratory viruses.
Along with WHO, US CDC, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, PIVI partnered to host the 7th Meeting of ANISE which took place in South Africa, September 11-13. This event served as a unique platform for Ministries of Health to come together, share knowledge, and emphasize the significance of prevention, not just surveillance. As in years past, it proved that it is more than just a meeting; it’s the only venue where African scientists working on influenza can gather, exchange insights, and learn from one another.
The annual meeting was an opportunity for in-person discussions, both with countries that are already engaged with PIVI (such as Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Egypt, and Tunisia) and those who are interested in joining our partnerships (including Ghana, Zambia, and South Africa).
The event spanned several days, and featured a lineup of expert speakers and engaging panel discussions, with the third day dedicated to a workshop focused on vaccine program development. This was particularly valuable for countries interested in influenza surveillance, data analysis, vaccination policy, program development, and implementation. During this workshop, experts provided insights into the essential components of a comprehensive vaccine program, how PIVI can support these programs, and what effective policies entail. This segment of the meeting was crucial as it fostered interactions among countries, allowing them to ask questions about the work PIVI has accomplished in other countries and how PIVI can be of assistance to their own.
The ANISE Meeting represents an important strengthening of influenza surveillance, research, and prevention efforts in Africa. It’s a gathering of minds dedicated to safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of influenza and respiratory viruses on the continent.
