Guiding principles

The GIHSN is a network of several sites affiliated with national health authorities. See map of sites.

Sites are selected based on their motivation, geographic representativeness, ability to conduct epidemiological studies, availability of laboratory facilities, and expertise in influenza surveillance. Each coordinating site supervises a group of one to several hospitals in its country or geographical region and follows a core reference protocol.

Independence and ownership

All study sites are public partners and they have full ownership of the data they generate. The Foundation has access to the results but not to the raw data.

Capacity building and sustainability

This is a long term initiative planned to be renewed every year pending satisfactory output and budget availability.

Data collection and analysis

Coordination of the network and operational implementation, including data collection & hosting, is supported by an independent organization: