1. Foreword

An effective health surveillance system is the cornerstone of any resilient and responsive health system. It enables the timely detection of public health threats, informs evidence-based decision-making, and strengthens our collective ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.

The National Integrated Health Surveillance Manual is a pivotal step toward enhancing the functionality, coherence, and sustainability of our country’s surveillance architecture. In the face of emerging infectious diseases, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, and the challenges posed by climate change and global mobility, we must ensure that our surveillance systems are robust, flexible, and inclusive.

This manual provides a practical and standardized framework for the organization, implementation, and evaluation of surveillance activities across all levels of the health system. It consolidates key roles, reporting pathways, and syndromic surveillance protocols while encouraging a multisectoral approach to data collection and response , integrating not only clinical and laboratory services but also environmental health, agriculture, education, and other key stakeholders.

Developed through extensive consultation and technical collaboration, this document reflects a commitment to improving national health security and advancing the goals of universal health coverage. It supports frontline health workers, public health officers, program managers, and policymakers in building a unified surveillance response, where data is timely, actionable, and used to protect lives.

Let this manual serve not only as a guide but also as a catalyst for stronger collaboration, capacity building, and continuous improvement in health information systems. Together, we can ensure that every signal is heard, every threat is seen, and every community is protected.

Chief Medical Officer / Director of Epidemiology / Health Surveillance

Ministry of Health