enHealth Council - Strategy & Implementation Plan

The Human-Environment Interface - Vector Borne Disease

Implementation Plan Activity

Part I
Surveillance systems to adequately inform vector-borne disease control programs.

Part II
Improved communication between key stakeholders.

Part III
1. Comprehensive contingency plans which are adequately 'tested' to ensure their continuing effectiveness.
2. Improved control methods.

All of the above issues are now being pursued through enHealth Council membership of the National Arbovirus Advisory committee (NAAC), which was formed in February 2001 as a technical advisory group of the National Public Health Partnership (reporting through the Communicable Disease Network - Australia (CDNA)).

The NAAC has a broad membership, including individuals with expertise in epidemiology, surveillance, vector biology and control, quarantine, clinical care and diagnostic technology.

The Terms of Reference for the NAAC are:

Report and make recommendations to the CDNA on:
1. surveillance systems for arboviruses encompassing humans and animals, to include:
  - identification of minimum data requirements at State and Territory level; and
  - national reporting requirements.
2. strategic approaches for arbovirus disease management and control related to:
  - the development and distribution of health promotion / education material suitable for the community;
  - laboratory support;
  - development of a national arbovirus response plan including jurisdictional responsibilities;
  - national training, ongoing research requirements and arbovirus outbreak investigation; and
  - establishing lines of communications with other interested parties working in the arbovirus sector.
Provide, on a regular or ad hoc basis, urgent or non-urgent expert technical advice across the spectrum of disciplines pertinent to the field of arboviruses, to assist in the detection, management and control of real or potential outbreaks of arboviral infection.
Investigate the risk of arbovirus infection being imported from other countries.
Draft a Memorandum of Understanding between the Commonwealth, States and Territories, that details co-operation in relation to arbovirus and vector surveillance, information dissemination and response plans.

During calendar 2001 the NAAC has been examining the following issues:

Laboratory case definitions and diagnostic methodology;
Disease / vector surveillance and reporting needs;
Broad information sharing with State and Territory arbovirus committees, particularly through the establishment of a national arbovirus surveillance website;
Human quarantine, particularly Japanese encephalitis;
Research priorities.

Contact officers:

Mr Phil Wright, NAAC Secretariat
Mr Geoff Davis, enHealth Council representative on NAAC

Contact details:

Ph 02 6289 8234; phil.wright@health.gov.au
Ph 02 6289 8415; geoff.davis@health.gov.au