Within the framework of the health systems set up by the Benin health authorities, the
project aims to develop, with the intended users, an epidemic surveillance and response
system that will be effective, sensitive, coordinated and adapted to a context where
resources are limited. Following the start of data collection on 01 March 2021, new
reforms to the response strategy against CoVID-19 in Benin have led the investigators to
opt for a new strategy in order to meet the objectives of the study. The epidemiological
surveillance system will be adapted to the reforms, and data collected and processed
prospectively on the dynamics of the epidemic will be collected in CoVID-19 screening
centres and in public and private health centres. This is the scientific data needed to
issue an early warning signal and enable the healthcare system to respond appropriately.
The information system will be based on (i) epidemiological surveys in the field, (ii)
virological, serological and antigenic tests, (iii) indicators that will enable action to
be monitored, adaptation to the epidemic to be assessed and the response capacity of
health structures to be controlled. Analysis (biostatistics, geo-epidemiology) of the
data collected will provide useful knowledge for a better understanding of the dynamics
of the epidemic. Finally, the project will encourage collaboration between African and
European researchers and strengthen the capacity of African institutions to set up an
epidemic surveillance system.