The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has donated digital surveillance equipment valued at over $554,000 to the Coordination Unit for Public Health Surveillance (COUSP) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The handover ceremony took place at COUSP and included 1,163 tablets, power banks, screen protectors with accessories, and two large screens for data visualization.
This donation is part of a broader effort by the CDC to strengthen epidemiological and surveillance capacities in the DRC. The support targets both national and provincial levels, directly assisting the National Public Health Institute (NPHI) and aiding in the rollout of the Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System (eIDSR). The eIDSR aims to improve how health data is managed, analyzed, and reported across the country.
A pilot project in Haut Katanga Province is currently using real-time data collection tools. By integrating DHIS2 technology—which connects epidemiological and laboratory data—the system has improved coordination during mpox outbreaks. This approach has helped scale up national response efforts by enabling more effective use of information.
The CDC’s involvement also includes training local staff at mpox Emergency Operations Centers in data analysis using DHIS2. This ensures that those receiving new technology are equipped with necessary skills to use it effectively.
“This handover represents more than just equipment — it’s a leap forward in our ability to protect communities and respond swiftly to public health threats,” said Ambassador Tamlyn, CDC.
The CDC works alongside the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on initiatives that enhance disease surveillance systems. These collaborations help identify outbreaks quickly, confirm cases through laboratories, and allocate resources efficiently. The agency has also invested in developing local public health expertise through its Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) and by establishing a multi-pathogen laboratory capable of performing multiplex PCR tests with advanced equipment.