End-to-end integration of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza sentinel surveillance: compendium of country approaches

Overview

The WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) has played an important role in the COVID-19 pandemic response. By leveraging the existing influenza surveillance systems to integrate SARS-CoV-2 testing in specimens collected from influenza surveillance sources, countries have been able to maintain influenza surveillance and establish a system for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 circulation in communities. This required the existing systems to undergo a variety of adaptations and adjustments, and countries have employed various strategies. This document is a collection of experiences and lessons learned from countries towards integrated influenza and SARS-CoV-2 sentinel surveillance.