Ahuano, Ecuador, 21 August 2025 (PAHO/WHO) — In an effort to enhance preparedness and commitment toward the early detection of and response to future pandemics and epidemics, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) brought together national and local experts from countries across the Region of the Americas for the Second Informal Expert Consultation to review the Regional Guide on Community-Based Event Surveillance for Early Warning and Public Health Emergency Response.
Held in Ahuano, Ecuador, this meeting marked a pivotal step toward finalizing the document and consolidating a key tool designed to strengthen early warning systems through a community-centered approach.
Over the course of three days, experts reviewed revisions incorporated into the guide following the first consultation in 2024. The technical discussions were enhanced by a field visit to the rural parish of Puerto Misahuallí, Napo Province, where participants witnessed local experiences in community-based event surveillance first-hand.
During the visit, community members, community health agents, local leaders, and representatives of Ecuador’s Ministry of Public Health (MSP) shared their experiences, challenges, and accomplishments in detecting and reporting public health signals from the community level. The experts observed every stage of the process—from signal identification to activation of response mechanisms and follow-up.
Direct engagement with the community enabled the integration of practical insights and learnings, ensuring that the final document reflects the operational, social, and cultural realities of community settings throughout the Americas.
This consultation is part of the PROTECT project, funded by the Pandemic Fund and implemented by PAHO and the World Bank, which supports the development and alignment of regional and national community-based event surveillance efforts.
PROTECT prioritizes strengthening surveillance systems—especially in remote and border areas—and with this second consultation, Member States of the Americas are advancing toward more inclusive, coordinated, and effective surveillance systems to safeguard the health of the region.
Find out more about the Pandemic Fund projects implemented by PAHO here.
