Mauritius is currently facing an epidemic of Dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. To tackle this health threat, the country can count on the support of the SEGA – One Health Network. This support is first and foremost upstream. How do we do this? By strengthening surveillance, diagnostic and response capacities.

Entomological surveillance: the key to prevention

Monitoring vectors such as mosquitoes is a crucial step in preparing for vector-borne diseases such as Dengue fever.
In particular, the SEGA – One Health Network has contributed to capacity building in :

What’s more, the SEGA – One Health Network promotes sharing health knowledge and information between Member States.
This helps optimize epidemic preparedness and response.

Further information

Reinforced surveillance

The SEGA – One Health Network has also contributed to the implementation of electronic integrated disease surveillance and response (e-IDSR).
This initiative enables real-time monitoring of health data.

Why is this important?
This procedure facilitates a rapid, coordinated response in the event of an epidemic. In addition, the provision of IT equipment enables health authorities to share data efficiently.

Improving diagnostic capabilities

In terms of diagnostics, the SEGA – One Health Network provides rapid tests and blotting papers, which are essential for Dengue screening, particularly in Rodrigues.
In addition, samples are sent to Madagascar’s Institut Pasteur for sequencing and serotyping.

Field epidemiologists: a pool of mobilizable experts

Thanks to training provided by the SEGA – One Health network, 55 field epidemiologists have been certified FETP-Frontline in Mauritius.
These experts constitute a pool of essential resources that can be mobilized in the event of an epidemic, strengthening the country’s surveillance and response capacities.