[The strategic role of primary care in emerging diseases : surveillance, research, and preparedness].

Abstract

The role of primary care in monitoring and under-standing emerging diseases goes far beyond the management of common conditions. Through its proximity to the population and its ability to detect weak signals early on, primary care is an essential pillar of public health. Primary care is an indispensable arena for early detection, population data collection, and conducting integrated research as close as possible to communities. Recent experiences in Belgium, particularly in population surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, illustrate its scientific and operational relevance. European initiatives such as ECRAID and national projects led by Sciensano, such as BE-SURVID, are strengthening data structuring and crisis preparedness. However, despite these advances, there is still a lack of sustainable operational organizing of primary care research, limiting the rapid activation of studies and the coordinated deployment of field resources. Structuring, strengthening and promoting the scientific role of primary care is therefore a strategic priority for building a responsive, effective and equitable ecosystem in the face of emerging threats.