Lesotho has become the first country in Africa to pilot the Afro Influenza (AFFLU) surveillance platform, a World Health Organisation (WHO) initiative designed to enhance influenza and respiratory virus tracking across the continent.
Developed as an adaptation of the Eastern Mediterranean Influenza (EMFLU) surveillance system, the AFFLU platform aims to improve data collection, management and analysis for influenza and other respiratory viruses.
It facilitates real-time epidemiological and virological data sharing, streamlining health surveillance efforts.
WHO Information Systems Specialist Muza Tendai noted the platform’s transformative potential, stating that it will strengthen respiratory disease surveillance and integrate with existing health monitoring systems.
“It will provide real-time and advanced data analytics capabilities, customised to regional and country-specific contexts,” Tendai said.
To ensure effective deployment, WHO has trained 18 health professionals in Lesotho to manage real-time data collection at four surveillance sites in and beyond Maseru district.
Lesotho’s Director General of Health Services, Lieketseng Petcane, welcomed the initiative, highlighting its role in addressing gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 taught us many lessons and diagnostics were a major challenge during that time. It revealed the gaps and areas that we needed to address,” Petcane said.
She said the platform will strengthen Lesotho’s surveillance and response to health emergencies.
Health officials expect the AFFLU platform to improve early outbreak detection and rapid response measures, including vaccine distribution.
JN/APA