Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM ACTIVITIES IN PHC CENTERS IN BAGHDAD

Suha A. Kadhum*

Abstract

Surveillance communicable diseases is a public health corner stone. Routine notification data on communicable diseases are used as a basis for public health action as well as for policy making. Surveillance systems must detect a new communicable diseases as well as recognize and track diseases that currently are, or have the potential to become of major public health importance. Objectives: The general objective of this study is to assess the core activities and supportive functions of the communicable diseases surveillance system in term of structure, performance, epidemic preparedness and response at all heath facilities level in Baghdad. Methodology: This study was a descriptive, crosssectional study conducted at (50) Primary Heath Care Centers (PHCC) which randomly selected (Multi – stage sample) in Baghdad and both directorates of health (Karkh and Rasafa) and Communicable Diseases Control Center of Iraq from the first of November 2016 till the first of February 2018. The data collected by direct interviews with the managers of surveillance units, observation of records and documents, materials and equipment by using World Health Organization generic questionnaires for assessment of National communicable diseases surveillance. Results: The results showed that National Surveillance Manual was present in (6%) of health centers. Data reporting was very good for achieving a rate of (95%) of reporting. Data analysis report scored (80%) without conducting line graphs for communicable diseases. epidemic preparedness was more than the recommended standard indicators (80%). Also (72%) was the achievement of epidemic response in health centers. Feedback was less than standards which was just (66%) of total achievement. Supervision on surveillance system was present in (65%) of health centers. The training was positive for (30%) and resources (21%), all that for primary Health care Centers level. The next level both, district and central level had achieved very good rate except in resources domain (66% and 77%) respectively. Conclusions: surveillance communicable diseases in Baghdad is good in some parameters and deficit in others (which is Training Resources and Expertise). Recmmendations: The study recommends improving the surveillance system through increasing the training, provide more expertise, copying with developed countries experiences in this field and using the electronic technologies in reporting and data analysis.

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