Our approach to epidemiology

The aim of surveillance is to inform program teams to promote effective and efficient responses. Epicentre does this by systematically collecting and evaluating morbidity and mortality data, and other relevant health-related information. These data are then disseminated to those involved in decision-making. Although surveillance traditionally focuses on infectious diseases and mortality, Epicentre also extends its use to other relevant domains such as the tracking of injuries, chronic diseases, health clinic visits, water consumption, population movements, latrine use and other indicators. The information gathered may signal the need for further investigation.

Ideally, information from a surveillance system can enable the identification of a specific case or cluster of cases of a disease or syndrome. The ensuing investigation can range from a simple phone call to a full field investigation requiring the coordinated efforts of many people to characterize the extent of the outbreak and potentially determine a cause. Alerts from a surveillance system, media information, or alerts or rumors from the community can trigger such an investigation. 

Epicentre conducts investigations to determine the nature and magnitude of an outbreak and implement appropriate measures to address it. Where appropriate, the outbreak investigation can include a research component if, for example, biological samples are stored for future or additional analyses beyond those needed to solve the immediate health problem, and/or if the data collected (available as part of the outbreak investigation itself or through additional specific data collection) allow examining risk factors.

Program monitoring and evaluation (M&E) at its core, are cycles of planning, action, and reflection. 

Epicentre monitors MSF field programs by systematically collecting and analyzing information so that progress toward the achievement of objectives, outcomes, and impacts can be assessed. Results are sometimes incorporated into alert systems. 

Monitoring activities often focus on parts of a program but can also encompass an entire set of program data. For example, determining the frequency of missed opportunities for vaccination among patients or participants monitors one aspect of that program. 

When conducting evaluations, Epicentre considers the ways by which programs address problems and recommends improvements. It involves the periodic, retrospective assessment of a program, conducted internally or by external evaluators. For MSF, evaluations normally consist of assessments of the design or strategy, implementation, and results of interventions against established MSF or international standards, humanitarian principles, MSF policy, and country strategy.

Epicentre provides technical advice and support when MSF field teams or other staff members require the advice or temporary support of an epidemiologist. This can consist of a simple discussion about a situation in the field or a specific medical problem, but it may also involve a structured and deep review of data or other documents. Epicentre may underpin this work with mathematical modeling to generate hypotheses, make projections, and clarify options for decision-making.