STRIVE Study Emphasizes Enhancing Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance and Response in Papua New Guinea

The recent publication of the STRIVE (Stronger Surveillance for Vector-Borne Pathogens) study underscores critical strategies to improve the detection, tracking, and management of vector-borne diseases in Papua New Guinea. Led by collaborative efforts between the Burnet Institute, the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), the National Department of Health, and the University of Papua New Guinea, the research focuses on strengthening frontline health systems.

The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health, assesses the existing capacity of local health services for vector-borne disease surveillance and response. It highlights that empowering local health care workers through targeted training, enhancing data collection and analysis, and fostering continuous support are vital measures. These steps are aimed at enabling health workers to respond swiftly to emerging threats and outbreaks.

A key aspect of the research emphasizes the importance of investing in health infrastructure and human resources at the provincial level. This approach ensures health systems are better equipped to handle diseases such as malaria and other vector-borne illnesses. Strengthening these systems also includes integrating new technologies and skills that improve real-time data utilization.

Rachael Farquhar, a lead author from the Burnet Institute, elaborated that reinforcing local health systems plays a decisive role in early outbreak detection and containment. Similarly, PNGIMR researcher Zebedee Kerry stressed that upskilling healthcare providers in disease reporting, notification, and response mechanisms enhances overall system resilience.

The study advocates for creating spaces and platforms where healthcare workers and provincial health teams can collaboratively interpret disease data, facilitating more effective decision-making. Regular training, ongoing support, and forums for data review are crucial to maintaining high responsiveness.

This initiative is part of the broader STRIVE project, which aims to bolster health surveillance capabilities across Papua New Guinea, ultimately improving public health outcomes. The findings reinforce that investing in local health workforces and infrastructure is essential to controlling vector-borne diseases and protecting communities.

For more insights, see the full study: Baselines assessment of front-line health system capacity in vector-borne disease surveillance and response in Papua New Guinea.