Connecting Organizations for Regional Disease Surveillance

International non-profit organization focused on disease surveillance

Logo of Connecting Organizations for Regional Disease Surveillance

Connecting Organizations for Regional Disease Surveillance (CORDS) is an international non-profit organization that aims to enhance global health security by improving the capacity for disease surveillance and response. CORDS facilitates collaboration among regional disease surveillance networks to detect and respond to infectious disease threats more effectively.

History

CORDS was established in 2009 as a response to the growing need for a coordinated approach to disease surveillance across different regions. The organization was founded with the support of several international health organizations and foundations, recognizing the importance of regional collaboration in addressing global health challenges.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of CORDS is to connect regional disease surveillance networks to improve the detection and response to infectious diseases. The organization focuses on:

• Enhancing the capacity of regional networks to conduct disease surveillance and response activities.
• Facilitating the sharing of information and best practices among member networks.
• Promoting the development of new technologies and methodologies for disease detection and response.
• Supporting the integration of human, animal, and environmental health surveillance systems, in line with the One Health approach.

Activities

CORDS engages in a variety of activities to achieve its mission, including:

• Organizing workshops and conferences to bring together experts from different regions to share knowledge and experiences.
• Providing technical assistance and training to member networks to strengthen their surveillance capabilities.
• Developing and disseminating guidelines and tools for effective disease surveillance and response.
• Facilitating cross-border collaboration and communication during disease outbreaks.

Member Networks

CORDS comprises several regional disease surveillance networks, each focusing on specific geographic areas. These networks include:

• Asia Partnership on Emerging Infectious Diseases Research (APEIR)
• East African Integrated Disease Surveillance Network (EAIDSNet)
• Mekong Basin Disease Surveillance (MBDS)
• Middle East Consortium on Infectious Disease Surveillance (MECIDS)
• Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS)
• Southeast European Center for Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases (SECID)

Impact

Since its inception, CORDS has played a significant role in enhancing global health security by fostering collaboration among regional networks. The organization has contributed to improved disease detection and response capabilities, leading to more timely and effective interventions during outbreaks.

Challenges

Despite its successes, CORDS faces several challenges, including:

• Ensuring sustainable funding for its activities and member networks.
• Overcoming political and logistical barriers to cross-border collaboration.
• Adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of infectious diseases and emerging threats.

Future Directions

CORDS aims to continue expanding its network and enhancing its impact by:

• Strengthening partnerships with international organizations, governments, and the private sector.
• Promoting the integration of new technologies, such as digital health tools, into disease surveillance systems.
• Advocating for increased investment in regional disease surveillance and response capabilities.

Related Pages

• Global health security
• Infectious disease
• Public health
• Epidemiology