International Network of Paediatric Surveillance Units (INoPSU)

The International Network of Paediatric Surveillance Units (INoPSU) was established in August 1998 to facilitate international collaboration among the 12 member paediatric surveillance units (PSUs) around the world. This collaboration allows for sharing of resources; simultaneous data collection and comparison across geographical regions.

The INOPSU 15 year report is available for download. 

Paediatric surveillance units comprising INoPSU:

  • Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) - Australia
  • Belgium Unit (Pedisurv) - Belgium
  • British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) - Britain
  • Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (CPSP) - Canada
  • German Paediatric Surveillance Unit (ESPED) - German
  • Greece & Cyprus Paediatric Surveillance Unit (CGPSU) - Greece/Cyprus
  • Irish Paediatric Surveillance Unit (IPSU) - Republic of Ireland
  • Latvian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (LPSU) - Latvia
  • Netherlands Paediatric Surveillance Unit (NSCK) - Netherlands
  • New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit (NZPSU) - New Zealand
  • Portuguese Paediatric Surveillance Unit (PPSU) - Portugal
  • Swiss Paediatric Surveillance Unit (SPSU) - Switzerland
  • Welsh Paediatric Surveillance Unit (WPSU) - Wales

Learn more about the National Units across the globe.

Aims of INOPSU 

To encourage and facilitate:

  • Communication between existing surveillance units
  • Development of new units
  • Information sharing about the surveillance process
  • Simultaneous or sequential data collection from two or more countries
  • National comparision of incidence of rare childhood conditions
  • Dissemination of information to national and international health authorities
  • Increased awareness, early diagnosis and management or rare conditions
  • Identification of emerging disorders
  • Establishment of international cohorts to support future research

Surveillance Activities

Over 300 studies have been facilitated by INoPSU members, including studies on a range of infectious and vaccine preventable diseases, genetic and metabolic conditions, childhood injuries and mental health disorders. Over 10,000 paediatricians, servicing a population of >50 million children aged <15 years contribute data to the PSUs each month.

Studies conducted aim to have impact by affecting changes to public health policy, health resource allocation, clinical practice and ultimately improving child health. Examples of joint collaborative studies can be found on the INoPSU website:  Joint collaborative studies: Advancing the knowledge of uncommon childhood disorders around the world

INOPSU NEWS 

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