Effectiveness of Integrated Surveillance System for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Côte d’Ivoire: An Evaluation of the Response Management Approach for the 2021 Outbreak in Grand-Bassam

Abstract A cross-sectional, retrospective and phenomenological study was performed on the experiences of integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) actors in 2023 at Grand-Bassam. The purposive sampling was guided by the respondents (n = 22 actors) based on the saturation principle. Semi-structured, interactive interviews based on IDSR functions were used to conduct a thematic analysis using QDA Miner4Lite software. The interviewer’s logbook helped to manage reflexivity, and the study was conducted in compliance with ethical, environmental and animal well-being rules. The findings show five emerging main themes. Systemic, transdisciplinary and decentralised coordination was effective, and lessons learned from preparedness were well integrated into the health policy. However, the culture of responses integrated formative evaluation was not effective. Risk communication and community engagement were key factors in the response and reduced psychosis, increased confidence, community awareness and its response ownership. Proactive infection prevention and control (anticipated culling) and its ecological control (carcass management) ensured that poultry farmers and municipal authorities adhered to the cleaning and disinfection principles. Surveillance was characterised by field vigilance and responsiveness, with joint investigations through the One Health platform. Resource management was marked by the mutualisation of resources, which should be combined with timely compensation, the availability of emergency funds and IDSR digitalisation. Information © The Authors 2025