Development of a training curriculum to strengthen data competencies for respiratory virus surveillance in the Americas moves forward

In May 2024, following the SARInet plus regional meeting, a strategic project was launched aimed at strengthening the capacities of respiratory virus surveillance teams in the Americas. This project focuses on developing a training curriculum to enhance data competencies, thereby improving the management, analysis, and interpretation of surveillance data, facilitating more informed and effective public health decision-making. 

Data competency refers to understanding the origin of data, properly managing, analyzing, and interpreting its meaning, and clearly communicating the results. To transform respiratory virus surveillance data into useful information for public health decisions, professionals need these skills and must be capable of contextualizing data and drawing relevant conclusions. 

Since its inception in June, the IHM/PHE team has defined a list of core data competencies based on existing epidemiology training and education programs, which was validated by international experts and SARInet plus members. Currently, a needs assessment is underway through a questionnaire sent to Member States. One-on-one consultations with countries will follow to further explore the identified needs, with the curriculum design expected to be completed by November 2024. This curriculum will enable Member States to select appropriate resources to strengthen their data competencies, enhancing their response to respiratory viruses. 

For more details, please contact Marc Rondy (rondymar@paho.org) or Claudia Jarquin (jarquincla@paho.org).