About EWIDS:

On 12/12/03, Secretary Thompson announced jointly with Secretary Julio Frenk the transfer of $5.4 million from the Department of Health and Human Services to the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission to enhance binational, cross-border early warning infectious disease surveillance.

Goal of EWIDS:

To improve cross-border activities in early detection, identification, and reporting of infectious diseases associated with potential bio-terrorism agents or other major threats to public health. 

Objective: to strengthen capabilities of Mexican border states and the Secretariat of Health of Mexico in the following areas:

Surveillance, Investigation and Epidemiological Response

• Detect, identify, and report outbreaks of infectious diseases (whether terrorist-induced or naturally occurring)
• Conduct epidemiological investigations
  

Biological Laboratory Capacity

• Develop laboratory capability to rapidly identify and characterize biological agents

Surveillance-Related Communications and Information Technology

• Share clinical, laboratory and epidemiological information electronically with public health officials in neighboring jurisdictions (both Mexican and U.S.)

Surveillance and Epidemiology-Related Education and Training

• Train public health personnel in surveillance and epidemiology