Thursday, 8 October 2026, 13:00–14:00 (CEST)
Background
Respiratory virus surveillance provides the foundation for understanding the impact of influenza, COVID-19 and RSV on populations and health systems worldwide. Through WHO's Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), countries and partners collect and share epidemiological and virological data that help monitor virus circulation, assess disease severity and estimate disease burden. This information is critical for informing preparedness, vaccination strategies, healthcare planning and public health decision-making. In this webinar, experts will explore the importance of strengthening surveillance for early detection, monitoring and assessment to support countries in understanding and responding to global respiratory threats.
Objectives
- Provide an update on global and regional trends in respiratory virus circulation.
- Reinforce guidance for integrated respiratory virus surveillance.
- Demonstrate how surveillance data are used to meet different public health objectives.
- Support evidence-informed preparedness, planning and public health action.
Agenda and Speakers
Introduction of EPI-WIN, housekeeping, introduction to topic and speakers, and slido: Dr Supriya Bezbaruah, EPI-WIN Lead, EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO
Welcome remarks: Dr Wenqing Zhang, Head, Global Respiratory Threats unit, Epidemic and Pandemic Management (EPM), WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE)
Current situation for influenza SARS-CoV-2 and RSV:
Dr Aspen Hammond, Technical Officer, Global Respiratory Threats unit, EPM, WHE
Dr Sophie von Dobschütz, Team Lead, Global Respiratory Threats unit, EPM, WHE
Dr Vanessa Cozza, Technical Officer, Global Respiratory Threats unit, EPM, WHE
Integrated surveillance recommendations including considerations for early detection, assessing severity and burden of disease:
Dr Aspen Hammond, Technical Officer, Global Respiratory Threats unit, EPM, WHE
Dr Sophie von Dobschütz, Team Lead, Global Respiratory Threats unit, EPM, WHE
Q&A
Summary & Closing: Dr Supriya Bezbaruah, EPI-WIN Lead, EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO
Registration