Disease Surveillance System of Bangladesh: Combating Public Health Emergencies

Objectivea) To observe trends and patterns of diseases of public health importance and responseb) To predict, prevent, detect, control and minimize the harm caused by public health emergenciesc) To develop evidence for managing any future outbreaks, epidemic and pandemicIntroductionDisease surveillance is an integral part of public health system. It is an epidemiological method for monitoring disease patterns and trends. International Health Regulation (IHR) 2005 obligates WHO member countries to develop an effective disease surveillance system. Bangladesh is a signatory to IHR 2005. Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR <www.iedcr.gov.bd>) is the mandated institute for surveillance and outbreak response on behalf of Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The IEDCR has a good surveillance system including event-based surveillance…