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I. Products and Services
1. EPI Newsletter
The EPI Newsletter was established in May of 1979, and is produced every two months in English and Spanish. Its purpose is to facilitate the exchange of ideas and information concerning immunization programs in the Region, in order to promote greater knowledge of the problems faced and their possible solutions. The articles published are written by staff or adapted from outside sources. Twenty thousand copies of each issue are distributed free of charge.
2. Weekly Polio Surveillance Bulletin
The Weekly Polio Surveillance Bulletin is prepared using the Polio Eradication Surveillance System (see section III). The Polio Bulletin provides information on cases of acute flaccid paralysis, such as the number of cases reported by country, their laboratory status and final diagnoses. In addition, countries' attention to AFP surveillance indicators are monitored and published in this bulletin. This bulletin is distributed by fax, air mail and on the World Wide Web.
3. Weekly Measles Surveillance Bulletin
The Weekly Measles Bulletin is prepared using the MESS database (see section III). The Measles Bulletin provides information on cases of suspected measles, such as the number of cases reported by country and their final diagnoses. In addition, surveillance indicators are monitored and published in this bulletin. This bulletin is distributed by fax, air mail and on the World Wide Web.
Publications available on the World Wide Web at the following addresses: www.paho.org
(search "polio weekly" or "measles weekly").
II. Periodicals/documents holdings
HVP produces and receives a selection of reports and articles printed in journals, periodicals, newsletters and other publications. Publications are acquired from a variety of sources, including foundations, associations, medical schools, among others. Many of the publications are provided free of charge, however there are a few which are paid for by HVP.
Articles from these periodicals which are found useful are reproduced and sent via pouch to the staff at PAHO field offices.
III. Databases
1. PAISIS: EPI Information System
Data sources: Monthly and yearly reporting by countries via E-mail.
Output:Morbidity, mortality and coverage reports are posted on PAHO's Web-Site and published in a bi-monthly newsletter.
Internet location: www.paho.org (search EPI Newsletter).
Description: Gathers and maintains data on population, morbidity, mortality, immunization and surveillance for any and all diseases, vaccines, countries, states or counties as defined by the user.
2. PESS: Polio Eradication Surveillance System
Data sources: Weekly reporting by countries via e-mail.
Output: Weekly published bulletin distributed by E-mail, fax, air-mail and internet.
Description: Gathers and maintains case-based information on acute flaccid paralysis, including laboratory diagnosis. Evaluates reporting an produces indicators to monitor progress towards eradication and certification as prescribed by the Technical Advisory Group (TAG).
3. MESS: Measles Elimination Surveillance System
Data sources: Weekly reporting by countries via e-mail.
Output: Weekly published bulletin distributed by E-mail, fax, air-mail and internet (www.paho.org/english/hvp/hvp-publ.htm and www.paho.org/spanish/hvp/hvp-publ.htm)
Description: Gathers and maintains case-based information on suspected measles cases, including laboratory diagnosis. Evaluates reporting an produces indicators to monitor progress towards elimination as prescribed by the Technical Advisory Group (TAG).
4. HVP Document Index
Data Sources: Technical material, documents, manuals, guides produced in-house and as a result of technical panels/groups.
Outputs: Lists of documents by subject, author, title, language and other qualifiers.
Description: Identifies and classifies all technical documents with pertinent information, such as title, author, subject, language, copies on hand, date of publication.
5. HVP Mailing List
Data sources: Subscription requests given by phone, e-mail or letter, meeting participants technical panel members.
Outputs: Lists, labels and statistics used for the mailing of the EPI Newsletter
Description: Gathers and maintains mailing information on individuals, institutions, professional associations, NGOs and others for the purpose of information dissemination.
HVP receives requests for general information which may include statistical data regarding EPI target diseases. These requests are replied to by 1 professional staff member, 1 support staff member and 1 temporary consultant.
V. Services rendered electronically or printed
This information is available at this office for Headquarters' staff, field staff and to the general public.
Payment for services is supported by HVP program resources. Most services are provided free of charge to users, and are sent both electronically and on paper.
Information systems are used by HQ staff and field staff on a daily basis. The dissemination of information provides HVP with worldwide exposure, and the information systems used give HVP the ability to collate information to ensure that reliable and pertinent data about vaccine-preventable diseases are available to staff. |
