Overview
The New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit (NZPSU) was established with funding from the Ministry of Health in order to undertake surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) for the Ministry's National Certification Committee for the Eradication of Poliomyelitis (NCCEP). The World Health Organization (WHO), as part of the global eradication process, requires such surveillance to confirm New Zealand is free of poliomyelitis.
Opportunities have also been taken to study other uncommon high-impact conditions. Most of these studies have been undertaken by paediatricians with a particular interest.
The NZPSU is part of the Department of Women's and Children's Health, Dunedin School of Medicine.
Aims of the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit
- To operate a system for monitoring acute flaccid paralysis, as part of the global certification of eradication of poliomyelitis, required by the World Health Organization
- To facilitate national surveillance and improve the knowledge of uncommon childhood conditions in New Zealand
International Network of Paediatric Surveillance Units (INOPSU)
The New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit (NZPSU) is a member of the International Network of Paediatric Surveillance Units (INOPSU). The Network was formed in August 1998 at a meeting of ten paediatric surveillance units that expressed a desire to link with each other. There are now twelve member units.
We have established a particular strong collaborative relationship with the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU).
To contact APSU, email schn-apsu@health.nsw.gov.au