Infection, Disease Control and Prevention

Biography

Biography: Effah-Acheampong J

Abstract

Malaria, a preventable mosquito-borne disease, constitutes a major public health problem globally, particularly in Africa where it kills an estimated 394,680 people annually. In Ghana, Malaria accounts for 38.9% of all outpatient illnesses and 38.8% of admissions. Malaria is a priority disease under surveillance. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the surveillance system and assess the attributes and make appropriate recommendations.. We interviewed stakeholders and key informants using semi-structured questionnaires to understand the system operations. We reviewed and compared 2012-2016 malaria registers and reporting forms with existing data in the DHIMS 2. Using SPSS version 21, descriptive data analysis was done. CDC updated guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance system was used in assessing the attributes. Positive malaria cases declined from 50,504 in 2012 to 43,467 in 2013, continual increased to 56540 (47.1%) in 2016. Under 5 positive cases recorded, 2012 recorded 17,852 (35%), 2015 and 2016 recorded17,611(32.8%) and 18,475(32%) respectively. Age group, 1-4 have the highest positive malaria cases, with mean 5,919. Of 88,103 malaria cases treated in 2014, 38.1% (n=33532) were not tested, 13% (n=8739) of 67,295 cases treated were not tested in 2016. Reporting rate of malaria datasets was 97.5%, three (3) out of (30) facilities do not report cases. The system is flexible, sensitive and stable. Timeliness (86%), Completeness (20) and predictive positive value 53,567 (49%) were poor in 2015. The surveillance system is meeting its objectives. Improvement on data completeness and timeliness needs to be done. Suspected malaria should be tested before treatment and followed up. Rigorous supervision on proper documentation and timely reporting should be enforced in the Municipality.