TABLE 3.

Best Practices and Innovations in Comprehensive Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance Implementation in the WHO Western Pacific Region, by WHO Surveillance Function

Surveillance Support Functions	Best Practices and Innovations
Laboratory	Using the same equipment, reagents, and supplies for testing multiple VPDs Integrating trainings on laboratory techniques applicable to multiple VPDs (e.g., bacterial VPD confirmation) Using multiplex tests or multiple tests of the same syndromic sample
Workforce capacity	Preservice and on-the-job competency-based training programs to strengthen surveillance data capacity at all levels of the surveillance workforce Adequate number of trained and experienced staff to conduct case detection, notification, investigation, reporting, and response
Governance	Engagement of national EPI in the process of development and implementation of integrated surveillance Government leadership in fostering collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors National funding for integrated surveillance operations Quality operational guidelines for surveillance of multiple VPDs
Data management and use	Integrated/interoperable information systems, including different VPDs based on EPI user requirements and local context Linkage between epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data for individual cases Joint epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data review meetings Triangulation of coverage and VPD surveillance data to better identify immunity gaps in the population Surveillance data use for EPI planning Integrated VPD serosurveys and data use for EPI planning
Field logistics and communication	Using the same shipment mechanisms for specimen transport for multiple VPDs Using information and communication technology tools for clinician sensitization and notification of suspect cases to strengthen the representativeness and timeliness of reporting
Coordination	Linking surveillance to EPI program units for data review, dissemination, and use Emergency Operations Center’s coordination of surveillance, outbreak investigation, and response
Program management	VPD surveillance reviews, including multiple VPDs VPD surveillance workforce needs are addressed at all levels as part of the national human resource planning
Supervision	Regular supportive supervisory visits provided to surveillance staff of all administrative levels

Abbreviations: EPI, Expanded Program on Immunization; VPD, vaccine-preventable disease; WHO, World Health Organization.