Establishing event-based surveillance system in Nigeria: a complementary information generating platform for improved public health performance, 2016

Abstract

Introduction event-based surveillance (EBS) is a surveillance method involving systematic and prompt data collection on incidents of public health importance, and complements the current indicator-based surveillance system and the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System (IDSR). It also promotes a rapid assessment and response to public health emergencies in Nigeria, although there is a lack of information regarding the status of EBS among Public Health Stakeholders in Nigeria; hence our study aimed to assess the awareness, availability, and utility of EBS among Nigerian public health stakeholders. Methods we conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the awareness, availability, functionality, and utilization of EBS in the 36 States in Nigeria, plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). We interviewed 53 stakeholders in disease surveillance and response using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire to obtain responses on the awareness of the event-based surveillance system, availability, and functionality. We also assessed the common structures used to report health-related events and the availability of minimum requirements for an event-based surveillance system. We performed descriptive statistics for the data obtained. Results the majority of respondents were males and 37.7% were disease surveillance and notification officers (DSNOs). Awareness of EBS was poor with about half, 49% of the respondents reported hearing of EBS, but only 17% described it correctly. The overall level of availability of the EBS reporting structure was inadequate, 28.2% and poorly utilised in the States. Conclusion the awareness, availability, and utilization of event-based surveillance systems are low in Nigeria. The government should improve the feasibility and utility of EBS in the States to enhance early disease detection and response.

Establishing an early warning surveillance system in jails in Calabarzon, the Philippines, 2021

“…The use of other methods for 24/7 reporting that are crucial for event-based surveillance could also be explored, such as telephone calls, short message services (SMS), e-mails and faxes. ( 15 ) Raising awareness of the Philippines’ Republic Act 11332 for the mandatory reporting of infectious diseases among jail staff and enhancing coordination with local health units will facilitate data sharing and response. Addressing issues such as workforce shortages and slow internet connections when planning the improvement and sustainability of the JBEWS will enhance its effectiveness, provide a valuable tool to prevent and manage disease outbreaks in jails, and promote public health and safety.…”