Kiri

Dear Colleagues

Recognizing the momentum of change for respiratory virus surveillance expanding beyond influenza since the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO Headquarters, as the secretariat for expanded Global Influenza Surveillance Response System (eGISRS), has developed a new package of Terms of Reference (ToRs) that formally recognize the roles and responsibilities that surveillance teams and laboratories in countries and areas have in conducting surveillance for influenza, SARS- CoV-2, and, where countries and areas choose, RSV.

The package of ToRs considers 4 components that recognize the distinct functions of each part but which work together to achieve a robust, sustainable approach for respiratory virus surveillance and response in each country and area and for the global community:

• The Epidemiology ToR component recognizes and outlines the expectations of the foundational syndromic surveillance that yields specimens for respiratory virus testing within eGISRS.

• The National Influenza Centre (NIC) ToRs outline the expected quality and responsibilities of influenza testing and response activities.

• The SARS-CoV-2 ToRs outline the expected quality and responsibilities of SARSCoV- 2 testing and response activities within eGISRS.

• The RSV ToRs outline the expected quality and responsibilities of RSV testing within eGISRS.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest to review and feedback on the content and clarity of the draft Epidemiology ToRs for eGISRS. If you would like to be involved in this process, please let us know by responding to this mail by Tuesday 31 July.

We are looking for approximately 5-7 countries or areas to be involved; if we have too many expressions of interest we will make a selection to ensure sub-regional representation.

Many thanks for your consideration

WHO/EURO & WHO/HQ respiratory virus surveillance teams