The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a two-year, multi-partner program funded by the U.S. CDC to strengthen Ethiopia's core International Health Regulation capabilities. Since March 2021, Ohio State Global One Health, LLC, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and other in-country partners have been exerting a tremendous effort towards strengthening the influenza surveillance system through laboratory capacity building and workforce development.
Strengthening influenza-like illness (ILI) and health facility-based severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance is a critical component of the CARES Act. To enhance surveillance officers' theoretical and practical knowledge and skill on ILI and SARI, Ohio State Global One Health, LLC, held workshops from January 12-14, 2022, in Sululta, Ethiopia. Eyasu Tigabu, GOHi senior laboratory specialist, led the workshops, and 36 health professionals working at ILI/SARI surveillance sentinel sites participated.