Enhancing the Effectiveness of Surveillance Systems in Pacific Island Countries as Early Warning Systems for Detecting and Responding to COVID-19 Outbreaks: Key Strategies and Recommendations

ABSTRACT

@#The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has uncovered the need for health systems to be strengthened in order to be able to respond quickly to any potential future outbreaks. In response, the Pacific Syndromic Surveillance System (PSSS) is currently being used by many countries within the Pacific Islands for tracking and addressing infectious disease outbreaks, including COVID-19. To maximise its usefulness as an early warning system, investments must be made in strengthening data quality, data sharing, health facility capacity, technology, and ongoing evaluation of surveillance systems. Doing so will ensure that the PSSS and other surveillance systems can remain effective tools for monitoring and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in the Pacific Islands