Operational considerations for collaborative surveillance: report of the Pan-European Network for Disease Control Collaborative Surveillance Working Group

Overview

This report presents operational considerations for implementing collaborative surveillance in the WHO European Region, developed by the Collaborative Surveillance Working Group of the Pan-European Network for Disease Control. The group adopted the WHO definition of collaborative surveillance and, through an inclusive participatory and discussion-based process, analysed national institutional experiences captured in 12 case studies contributed by Working Group members from public health institutes in seven countries. The case studies covered a broad range of disease areas and contexts – including communicable diseases, zoonotic and vector-borne infections, and emergency settings – and examined the operation of existing national surveillance platforms and coordination mechanisms. Cross-case analysis and consensus among members identified three core operational elements underpinning effective implementation: i) cross-sectoral and multi-pathogen system design and implementation; ii) data utilization for timely risk assessment; and iii) governance arrangements that ensure sustainability and accountability. Common enablers included strong political commitment, supportive legal frameworks, international collaboration, diagnostic capacity and digital innovation, while key barriers related to resource constraints, interoperability gaps and workforce shortages. The report highlights added value in improved evidence-based decision-making, resource efficiency and public accountability, offering practical considerations to guide policy-makers and institutions in building integrated, sustainable and actionable surveillance systems across the Region.