Strengthening regional public health intelligence: insights and experiences from the Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network, 2023

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network (PPHSN) from the perspective of those who use it to determine whether it had helped to strengthen surveillance and response in the Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). The evaluation focused on the six established service arms. Methods An online, bilingual (English and French) cross-sectional survey was administered in October–November 2023. Respondents were recruited using convenience sampling. Survey domains included demographics of the respondents and their understanding of the PPHSN’s purpose, engagement with its surveillance arms, utilization of tools and guidance, and perceived strengths and challenges. Summary statistics were calculated. PPHSN activities were systematically mapped against the International Health Regulations IHR (2005) core capacities. Results After excluding 37 surveys for incomplete responses, a total of 149 respondents completed the survey (80%)., including public health officers (77; 52%) and respondents working at the national level (76; 51%). The most commonly identified purpose for PPHSN (42; 28%) is as a “communication platform for surveillance and response”. High proportions of respondents found PPHSN services to be useful, depending on the service arm; for example, 55/60 (92%) found the weekly outbreak map moderately to extremely useful and 55/59 (93%) found surveillance through PPHSN effective for early warnings and emergency responses. Challenges were identified with deployment and retention of the trained workforce, timely data reporting, a lack of routine monitoring, and funding to maintain PPHSN. Discussion Since inception, participants perceive that PPHSN has supported and strengthened regional surveillance and response. Evaluation findings supported the need for coordinated investments, multisectoral collaboration and sustained capacity-building to advance regional health security in the PICTs.