FAO hosts dual meetings to facilitate discussions on data integration for improved epidemic response

Knowledge of the risks, analysis and forecasting, communication of warnings, and preparedness to response at all levels are at the forefront of managing animal health threats.

Since 1994, FAO has supported member countries through the Emergency Prevention System (EMPRES) for Animal Health by developing strategies and policies to improve the prevention, detection, preparedness, and response to transboundary animal diseases, including zoonotic ones. 

One particular way it facilitates this is through EMPRES-i+, a web-based secure information system designed to support national veterinary services by providing reliable disease information for early warning and response to emerging and ongoing animal disease threats. It does this by integrating data from across FAO, including soil, land, water, climate, fisheries, livestock, crops, forestry, trade, and socioeconomics, using functionality developed under FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Geospatial Platform.

With the increased risks of animal diseases due to a changing climate and livestock production systems, trade patterns, routine overuse of antimicrobials, as well as large-scale deforestation, and loss of biodiversity and habitat, continuous efforts need to be made on EMPRES-i+ data sources, analytical tools, and data visualization tools to improve the production of disease intelligence information and enhance decision-making at global and national levels.

Recognizing this, FAO recently convened two significant technical meetings in Rome aimed at enhancing disease intelligence and collaboration within regions, countries and the One Health community in general. 

Understanding that the effective operational use of EMPRES-i+ relies on integration with many other sources of intelligence, from 16 to 18 April 2024, FAO brought together experts from various international organizations, FAO Reference Centers, FAO regional office and regional livestock communities, and veterinary authorities for a consultation regarding information systems and data sources that may be integrated into EMPRES-i+, with a particular focus on the expansion of risk modeling and forecasting capabilities within EMPRES-i+. The meeting aimed to inform the development of a roadmap for the integration of databases, information systems, and risk forecasting tools into EMPRES-i+ for national animal and One health information systems.

Various platforms complementary to EMPRES-i+ exist, offering global, regional, national, and sector-specific coverage. Examples include the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) managed by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), regional systems like the Animal Resource Information System (ARIS-3) from the African Union's Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), and numerous country-specific systems. Additionally, international organizations operate platforms such as GLEWS+ and Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS), along with specialized systems focusing on laboratory data (e.g., SILAB) or antimicrobial resistance and use surveillance (e.g., GLASS, AnimUse, InFarm). 
Understanding that effective disease intelligence strategies necessitate data exchange among these diverse systems, from 23 to 25 April 2024, FAO hosted the Interoperability Meeting, assembling technical IT experts from partner organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR), and others. The primary goal was to improve data interoperability within systems related to epidemic intelligence for One Health with discussions centering on defining agreed standards for data exchange among partner platforms, exploring the adoption of open standards, and developing principles for effective integration within the broader One Health agenda.

The two meetings have resulted in a prioritized roadmap for integrating EMPRES-i+ at global, regional, and national levels. The collaboration and input received have defined priorities, timelines, and stakeholder roles. In so doing, they demonstrate FAO's dedication to enhancing collaboration within the One Health community, continuously improving efforts to combat transboundary animal diseases, thereby enhancing animal health and welfare, and protecting global health.