Launch of PROVNA 2: Establishment of a Risk-Based Surveillance System for Mosquito-Borne Diseases in North Africa

The overall objective of the project is to support countries in establishing a risk-based surveillance model for Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and to open up horizons for the management of other mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs).

Phase 2 project activities will be carried out by 6 work packages (WP):

1.  WP0 – Coordination, networking, dissemination
2. WP1 – Gap analysis and needs assessment
3. WP2 – Definition of surveillance protocols
4.  WP3 – Capacity building activities
5. WP4 – In-field monitoring
6. WP5 – Modelling

Through these working packages, WOAH and IZS Teramo will support countries to improve surveillance and control of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in North Africa.

From sharing to reflection …

Overall, 6 technical presentations were delivered by experts to introduce and explain the project, as well as to kick off the group work. The national contact points provided an overview of the epidemiological situation of RVF, discussing the risks of its introduction and spread. The exchange of experiences between countries where the disease is present and those where it is not provided valuable insights and fostered discussion.

Throughout the workshop, participants from each country identified their needs in areas such as entomological surveillance, laboratory capacity, capacity-building, and equipment required to implement activities. At the end of each session, the five countries presented their findings, resulting in fruitful discussions that not only engaged the countries, but also encouraged exchanges between countries.

Countries represented at the training were:

1. Algeria
2. Libya
3. Mauritania
4. Morocco
5. Tunisia