Conference abstract
Evaluation of measles surveillance system in Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria, 2012-2015
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2018:8(89).12
Apr 2018.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2018.8.89.693
Archived on: 12 Apr 2018
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Evaluation, measles, surveillance, Nigeria
Opening ceremony
Evaluation of measles surveillance system in Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria, 2012-2015
George Uzoaga Onyemauwa1,&, Ndadilnasiya Waziri2, Belinda Uba2, Patrick Nguku1
1Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria, 2African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), Nigeria
&Corresponding author
George Uzoaga Onyemauwa, Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria
Introduction: measles is a highly infectious epidemic-prone disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in children below the age of five years. As of 2014, about 459,000 suspected cases of Measles were reported to WHO. Case-based surveillance with laboratory confirmation is one of the key strategies being adopted to facilitate Measles control and mortality reduction. The aim of the evaluation was to describe the process, assess performance and make recommendations for improvement in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Measles Surveillance System.
Methods: the evaluation was undertaken between August and November 2016 using the CDC updated guidelines for evaluation of PH surveillance systems. This involved a retrospective review of FCT Measles Surveillance records from 2012 - 2015, questionnaire administration to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and selected Health Facilities and Key Informant Interviews with relevant stakeholders. Information was obtained about the flow, attributes and challenges/gaps in the system. Analysis of quantitative data was done with Microsoft excel software.
Results: there were 565 suspected measles cases out of which 200 (34.4%) were confirmed. Children 1-5 years accounted for 79.5% (159/200) of confirmed Measles cases and 80% (4/5) of all deaths. A Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 2.5% was recorded while the year 2013 accounted for the highest number of cases (116) representing 58% of all confirmed cases. Out of the 565 suspected cases 354 (62.7%) had no vaccination at all, 169 (29.9%) had one dose of Measles vaccine while only 42 (7.4%) had two doses. The system was found to be flexible, acceptable, representative and highly sensitive. Positive Predictive Value was low, being (35.4%). Ninety (90%) of respondents agreed that the system adapts to changes while (100%) of the DSNOs and (80%) of other stakeholders are ready to continue with the system. However, stability is not guaranteed because it is donor driven.
Conclusion: the Measles Surveillance System in FCT is meeting its objectives of describing the burden and epidemiological trends in measles cases as evidenced by the response of the stakeholders on the system attributes. However, more effort is needed to ensure its sustainability.
