Developing data literacy core capacities to improve respiratory virus surveillance in the Americas

Developing data literacy core capacities to improve respiratory virus surveillance in the Americas presents a detailed account of an initiative led by the Infectious Hazard Management Unit of the Health Emergencies Department of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). It aims to strengthen data literacy among professionals responsible for respiratory virus surveillance. This report outlines a practical approach to addressing gaps identified in data collection, management, analysis, interpretation, and communication across the Region. It brings together insights from key regional and international health organizations – including PAHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network, the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic, and Applied Epi – as well as contributions from national public health teams at ministries of health.