Lesotho pioneers new WHO influenza surveillance platform in Africa

LESOTHO—Lesotho has become the first country in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region to pilot the new Afro Influenza (AFFLU) surveillance platform, marking a significant advancement in enhancing its health surveillance capabilities.

This innovative system, developed by WHO specifically for Africa as an adaptation of the Eastern Mediterranean’s EMFLU platform, aims to improve how data on influenza and other respiratory viruses is collected, managed, and analyzed.

The AFFLU platform is designed to handle both aggregate and case-based data, making it easier for health officials to track disease trends and respond quickly.

It enhances the sharing of epidemiological and virological information, streamlines data management, and improves data quality at all levels of the health system.

According to Muza Tendai, an Information Systems Specialist from WHO’s Regional Office for Africa, the platform has transformative potential.

It will not only strengthen respiratory disease surveillance in Lesotho but also integrate with other health surveillance systems, offering real-time data and advanced analytics tailored to regional and national needs.

To ensure the platform’s success, WHO has trained 18 end-users in Lesotho who will be responsible for collecting and managing live data at four selected surveillance sites, including locations within and beyond the Maseru district.

This hands-on training is critical for accurate data collection and effective use of the platform.

Dr. Lieketseng Petcane, speaking on behalf of the Director General of Health Services at Lesotho’s Ministry of Health, expressed excitement about being the first country in the region to pilot this platform.

She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant gaps in diagnostics and surveillance, and the AFFLU system will help address these challenges.

The platform is expected to boost not only surveillance and response efforts but also enhance the skills and capacity of health workers.

Maseru District Surveillance Officer Malefane Thamae highlighted the practical benefits of AFFLU, explaining that it will enable early detection of outbreaks and faster responses to affected areas.

This means health officials can quickly access necessary countermeasures, such as vaccines, to control the spread of disease.

Lesotho’s pioneering role in adopting the AFFLU platform demonstrates its commitment to improving health infrastructure and public health outcomes.

By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, the country is better equipped to monitor and respond to respiratory diseases, ultimately protecting the health of its citizens.

As the pilot program advances, the lessons learned from Lesotho’s experience will be valuable for other African countries considering similar surveillance tools.

The AFFLU platform represents not only a technological breakthrough but also a promising development for enhancing disease surveillance and response across the continent.

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