Conclusion
Conducting enhanced surveillance and operational research on a novel
pathogen at the start of a pandemic is challenging yet important. The
SARS-CoV-2 Unity Studies conducted in the African region have proven
that these studies are possible to implement at short notice in a robust
manner including in low resource settings, and that the resulting
information garnered from them is crucial for shaping policy and
practice 5,13.
Investigators should consider the lessons learnt during the SARS-CoV-2
pandemic fur future surveillance efforts and operational research.
Several of the methodological challenges faced can be overcome through
preparedness actions such as the development of new tools, robust
planning and practice. Countries need to develop resilient
well-coordinated and fit-for-purpose surveillance approaches that
address priority surveillance objectives not met by current systems for
respiratory viruses of epidemic and pandemic potential, that can be
sustained or adapted during an event for pandemic preparedness and
effective response 14.