0
0
Chennai, July 9, 2025 — Researchers at the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) in Chennai have called for continuous, integrated monitoring of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI) across India. This recommendation follows a recent study highlighting gaps in the current surveillance system, particularly in Tamil Nadu, and emphasizing the need for early detection to prevent public health crises.
The study, published in the journal Discover Health Systems, evaluated disease surveillance in four districts of Tamil Nadu between 2023 and 2024. It engaged over 370 stakeholders from 85 healthcare facilities and 23 laboratories. While Tamil Nadu has established a foundation for tracking respiratory illnesses, the research revealed that surveillance efforts typically intensify only during outbreaks or specific seasons, despite the fact that respiratory viruses circulate year-round.
Key findings include:
-
Only 42% of facilities regularly collected clinical samples for testing, and most testing capacity was limited to larger hospitals.
-
Few healthcare workers had received specific training in identifying and reporting ILI/SARI cases.
-
Primary and secondary care centers often lacked equipment and resources for adequate testing.
-
The Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) is widely used, yet suffers from inconsistent data entry and limited participation from private hospitals and labs.
-
Private sector involvement in surveillance remains partial, and awareness among community health workers about influenza surveillance is still lacking.
The researchers recommend a shift from seasonal to continuous surveillance, expansion of laboratory capacity at all care levels, regular refresher training for healthcare providers, and improved digital infrastructure for data reporting. They also advocate for a “One Health” approach, integrating data across sectors and establishing robust feedback mechanisms to ensure data quality and transparency.
Tamil Nadu has already begun implementing measures such as the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and plans to establish a “One Health” secretariat for better inter-departmental coordination and zoonotic disease surveillance.
Respiratory infections, including influenza, remain a significant public health concern. In 2021, lower respiratory tract infections caused an estimated 2.18 million deaths globally, with influenza viruses responsible for over five million hospitalizations. The burden is especially high in low- and middle-income countries, and in India, mortality rates are highest among adults over 65 and children under five.
The study’s findings are intended to guide state and national policy, strengthening preparedness for future respiratory disease outbreaks and potential pandemics.
“This is the first study of its kind in India that provides evidence-based recommendations to strengthen disease surveillance at all levels,” said Dr. Rizwan Suliankatchi Abdulkader, principal investigator, ICMR-NIE.
:
This article is based on information from a recent study and statements by public health officials. The findings and recommendations reflect the views of the researchers and are intended for informational purposes only. Readers should consult official health authorities for the latest guidelines and policy updates regarding respiratory infection surveillance and public health measures.
