Cross-border surveillance key findings

UCSF conducted a mixed methods landscaping analysis of disease surveillance systems for mobile populations in the MENA region to assist policy makers and implementers in improving global health security and cross-border public health surveillance. Through a systematic literature review including 101 sources and 28 key stakeholder interviews policy briefs are being produced to disseminate key findings and recommendations.

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Academic Course Development

In Spring 2025, UCSF in partnership with the American University of Beirut (AUB), U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) MENA Regional Office and U.S. CDC Division of Global Migration Health, developed and piloted the first Cross-Border Public Health Surveillance Course in the region. The graduate-level course introduced students to key components of border health and cross-border public health surveillance, in theory and practice that would enable countries to detect and respond to health threats across borders.

Led by AUB faculty alongside six guest experts from the MENA region, the course covered topics such as International Health Regulations, surveillance for mobile populations, Points of Entry, risk communication, emergency preparedness, and multistakeholder collaboration. Students highlighted the course’s multidisciplinary focus, describing it as “very applicable and practical”, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.

A comprehensive evaluation confirmed strong learning outcomes, high student satisfaction, and enthusiasm from instructors to sustain course over upcoming semesters. However, findings informed potential improvements such as shorter sessions, refined content, and a shift to the Fall semester to improve student accessibility.

Following the pilot, AUB, UCSF and CDC remain committed to expand the course across universities and training institutions in MENA and beyond, supporting the region’s growing commitment to collaborative, One Health-oriented surveillance education.

Partners:

• American University of Beirut
• U.S. CDC MENA Regional Office
• U.S. CDC Division of Global Migration Health