Table 1.
Progress achieved in MENA-ISN countries.
| Country | Surveillance | Vaccination | Social mobilization | Advocacy and policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Functional NIC Good epidemiological data on SARI and ILI Support from the Partnership contribution funds |
Increased from 800 000 to 1 400 000 in 2017 | Medical Societies meetings, TV programs, Media, Posters | Several Press conferences including MoH and policy makers |
| Iran | Hospital-based, Lab-based and sentinel surveillance since 2004 | |||
| Lebanon | 1650 specimen analysed since 2008 | 28% vaccination among ILI cases in 2016-17 flu season | ||
| Libya | Availability of a database for flu vaccination target group | Growth in vaccine doses available from 200,000 in 2012 to 1,100,00 in 2016 | Educational materials for HCPs, schools, etc. | Flu campaign in Nov 2016 2017-2018 flu seasonal preparation |
| Oman | Surveillance data (ARI/SARI/virological) widely disseminated in non-MOH and private sector institutions | Extend vaccination to other high risks i.e. paediatric & diabetes Assess flu vaccine hesitancy |
Community awareness | Mobilization among population through private sectors |
| Pakistan | Sentinel based influenza surveillance network in place and supported by NIC at NIH Islamabad | Increase public awareness through press and media ahead of the flu season | First in country meeting of Local Influenza Stakeholder Network planned in October 2017 Three symposia in 3 major cities of Pakistan | |
| Saudi Arabia | Started in Jan 2017 in 5 regional labs; 6 regions (hospital and PHC) | HCWs, Pregnant women, Chronic Patients, Young Children, Elderly, Pilgrims | Awareness level raised in public and HCPs Vaccination channels improved |
MoH is funding vaccination in its facilities plus adding Flu vaccine under health insurance requirement |
NIC: National Influenza Centre; MoH: Ministry of Health; NIH: National Institute for Health; PHC: Public Health Centres; HCP: Health Care Providers.