As we reach the end of this productive and insightful integrated disease surveillance meeting in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your active participation and valuable contributions over the past 5 days. Together, we have achieved a great deal in advancing our understanding of integrated disease surveillance and response, and we have laid the groundwork for future collaborations and improvements in this vital area of public health.
As you know, integrated disease surveillance is a critical tool for public health. It allows us to track the spread of diseases, identify outbreaks early, and take action to prevent them from becoming major public health threats.
In recent years, we have seen a number of major outbreaks of infectious diseases, including Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19. These outbreaks have had a devastating impact on people's lives, and they have also highlighted the importance of strong integrated disease surveillance systems.
The good news is that we have made significant progress in developing integrated disease surveillance strategy in the the Region. We have put in place new technologies and systems, and we have trained a large number of health workers in surveillance techniques.
However, there is still more work to be done. We need to continue to strengthen our surveillance systems, and we need to make sure that they are accessible to all countries in the Region.
Throughout this meeting, we have had the privilege of hearing from esteemed speakers and experts who have shared their knowledge and experiences. The agenda was carefully designed to cover a wide range of topics, including the global and regional overview of integrated disease surveillance, best practices, challenges, and lessons learned in IDS/R implementation, surveillance workforce, monitoring modalities, DHIS2, engagement of stakeholders, and key domains/strategic directions of IDS.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the organizing committee from Oslo University as well as the Regional Office, and all the individuals and organizations involved in the successful planning and execution of this meeting. Your hard work and commitment to excellence have been truly commendable.
As we conclude this meeting, it is essential to highlight the significance of the collective efforts we are undertaking. Integrated disease surveillance plays a crucial role in detecting and responding to public health threats, and our commitment to strengthening these systems is paramount. The outcomes and recommendations generated during this meeting will serve as a foundation for future action, guiding us towards more robust integrated surveillance systems, enhanced coordination, and improved collaboration among countries and external partners.
In summary, let us seize the momentum generated during this meeting to propel our efforts forward. Let us work together, with renewed determination and a sense of shared responsibility, to advance the cause of integrated disease surveillance and response in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. I am confident that by continuing to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and support one another, we can achieve our common goal of a healthier and more resilient region.