Surveillance

The PCR laboratory’s activities relating to the national microbiological monitoring of meningitis is due to start in the 2008-2009 season, once health workers from the sites chosen to participate in the monitoring network have received training.

The AMP provides technical support for all activities. The following schedule has been drawn up:

^-      Selection of watch areas to implement the PCR integration protocol (December 2008)

^-      Implementation of protocol: technical support for organising the collection and transfer of specimens and for collecting data (December 2008 – February 2009)

^-      Technical support for monitoring sample collection and organising surveillance and technical support for data management (February – November 2009)

^-      Technical support for arranging how the feedback of the PCR results will be given to the Ministry of Health (as part of the national surveillance system)

^-      Analysis of collected data and preparation of final report (November 2009 – January 2010)

The AMP, the Malian National Institute for Public Health Research and the National Monitoring Department are currently finalising the protocol for the support that will be provided for surveillance.