As a rapid response to the increased number of brucellosis cases in Damascus and Rural Damascus detected through the early warning and response system (EWARS), WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health conducted a workshop on brucellosis between 4 and 5 September 2013

The main objectives of the workshop were to enhance the skills of concerned physicians on managing brucellosis cases based on the national treatment protocol, strengthen the surveillance of brucellosis as well as the laboratory role on brucellosis detection and activate the role of other sectors (i.e. the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Information) in containing the increased numbers of cases.

The workshop was attended by 32 participants from the Directorate of Communicable and Chronic Diseases, concerned physicians of health centres, and heads of brucellosis programmes in Damascus, Rural Damascus, Daraa, Suwayda and Al Quneitra.

Attendees interactively participated in all presentations, and proposed conducting such workshops continuously and maintaining close collaboration between the WHO and the Ministry of Health to contain the brucellosis outbreak.