Conference abstract
Evaluation of the measles surveillance system at Ga East Municipality (GEM), 2015
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2017:3(103).29
Oct 2017.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2017.3.103.239
Archived on: 29 Oct 2017
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Keywords: Measles, immunization, disease surveillance, district health information management system (DHIMS)
Oral presentation
Evaluation of the measles surveillance system at Ga East Municipality (GEM), 2015
Ernest Konadu Asiedu1,&, Edwin Afari1, Donne Ameme1, Samuel Sackey1, Kofi Nyarko2
1Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana, 2Namibia FELTP, Namibia
&Corresponding author
Ernest Konadu Asiedu, Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana
Introduction: measles, a viral disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially among children globally. Ghana recorded 464 confirmed cases but no mortality between 2005 and 2011. Though an epidemic prone disease earmarked for elimination, is vaccine preventable. The key preventive and control measures are immunization and disease surveillance. The evaluation was done to detect whether the surveillance system was meeting its objectives and to assess its attributes.
Methods: we observed and interviewed stakeholders using a semi-structured interview questionnaire adapted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) policy document (2006). We reviewed facility data bases or reporting forms, case based forms (CBF), and morbidity data from District Health Information Management System (DHIMS), weekly and monthly IDSR forms between 2010 and 2014 in and the storage facilities. Data were collected on the attributes of the surveillance system.
Results: the case definition was clear and simple with the measles surveillance system well integrated, flexible, acceptable, sensitive, representative but somewhat complex. There were clear flow of information with laboratory support. Surveillance is contributing to prevention and control measures. PVP was 1% as confirmed cases from the laboratory. The system is able to detect cases and investigate outbreaks, monitor the disease incidence and vaccination programs. However, there were challenges with stability, data quality in completeness and timeliness especially with private facilities.
Conclusion: the measles surveillance system is partially achieving its objectives. The health directorate should use the data and surveillance officers to bridge the gap between clinical and public health activities especially the private facilities and encourage them to participate in public health activities within the municipality including disease surveillance activities. Improve feedback to all levels. The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency should re-look at the human resource requirements to include data managers.
