Strengthening Integrated COVID-19 and Influenza Surveillance in Myanmar

As a part of Myanmar’s efforts in strengthening pandemic preparedness for influenza and other respiratory pathogens of pandemic potential, efforts are underway to improve the Collaborative surveillance component as one of the key pillars in the National Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan. In this context, Myanmar is currently integrating monitoring of SARS CoV 2 virus through its existing influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) sentinel surveillance system, following recommendations from the recent review of the preparedness for Influenza and other respiratory pathogens by WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) in collaboration with the WHO Country Office for Myanmar.

Although the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate as an endemic virus alongside seasonal influenza viruses. Hence, WHO recommends monitoring of SARS CoV 2 virus through the existing national ILI/SARI sentinel surveillance. It provides an integrated approach for the national respiratory disease programme to establish and continue with a more sustainable and resilient surveillance system as part of the integrated preparedness and response.

This effort is particularly important in Myanmar, where ongoing humanitarian challenges can limit access to health services and increase vulnerability to infectious disease outbreaks. Early detection of respiratory pathogens with epidemic or pandemic potential is essential to protect vulnerable populations and support timely public health action. Given that respiratory viruses can spread rapidly across borders, strengthening surveillance in Myanmar also contributes to regional and global health security.

A long existing national ILI/SARI sentinel surveillance provides the foundation for the integrated approach. Building on the country’s functional ILI/SARI sentinel surveillance network and  the WHO recognized National Influenza Centre, the integrated approach will provide the opportunity to simultaneously detect influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2, using multiplex RT-PCR testing and report to the WHO RespiMART. The WHO recommended approach will improve the monitoring of respiratory disease trends, enhance outbreak detection, support evidence-based decision-making, and strengthen preparedness for future respiratory threats in Myanmar. By leveraging existing surveillance and laboratory platforms, Myanmar is taking an important step towards a more efficient, sustainable and integrated respiratory surveillance system.