Abstract

CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

Dr. Suhair Mohammed Hussoon*

Abstract

Back ground: Surveillance of infectious disease is recognized as the cornerstone of public health decision-making and practice. Surveillance data are crucial for monitoring the health status of the population, detecting diseases and triggering action to prevent further illness, and to contain public health problems. Objectives: The general objective of this study is to assess the core activities supportive functions of the communicable surveillance system in term of structure, performance, epidemic preparedness and response in all health in facility levels in Baghdad. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted at 50 health facilities (Primary Health Centers) which randomly selected (stratified sample) in Baghdad and from both directorates were health (Karkh and Russafa) and Communicable Diseases Control Center of Iraq, from the first of November 2014 till the first of February 2015. The data collected by direct interview 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 disease surveillance. Results: The results showed that National Surveillance Manual was present in 6% of health centers only. Data reporting was very good achieving a rate of 95% of reporting. Data analysis scored 80% but lack the ability to conduct line graphs for communicable diseases, epidemic preparedness was more than the recommended standard indictors (80%), Also 72% was the achievement of Epidemic response in health centers. Feedback was less than standards just 66% of total achievement had achieved. Supervision on surveillance system was present in 65% of health centers The poorest results in this study was training (30%) and resources (21%) for health facilities level. The next levels both, district and central level had achieved very good rate except in resources domain. Conclusion: In conclusion and according to the findings of the study, the surveillance system in Baghdad is good in some parameters and weak in the others (which are Training, Resources and expertise).

Keywords: Karkh and Russafa.