Disease Surveillance System

Abstract

In Pakistan, absence of a nationwide surveillance mechanism and strategy is the main reason for the failure in effectively controlling communicable diseases. The seasonal outbreaks of various infectious diseases every year call for an integrated surveillance system on a national level for planning effective preventive strategies. Opportunity to adopt a tested and tried model exists at this time in terms of the "Disease Early Warning System" set up by World Health Organization in conflict-affected districts. Replicating this system in other districts is both practical and feasible as technical support is readily available through the World Health Organization. Such a system once put in place has potential to not only decrease morbidity and mortality through early detection and prompt control of outbreaks but also to facilitate effective financial, human resource, and materials management at the district level. This would be a step toward a more responsive health system at the local level.

Exploring stakeholders’ experiences and perceptions regarding barriers to effective surveillance of communicable diseases in a rural district of Pakistan: a qualitative study

“…The scientific literature on infectious disease surveillance in Pakistan is either quantitative in nature or mostly has discussed the implementation of models like the disease early warning system for surveillance. [10][11][12] However, there is a dearth of literature regarding the challenges that healthcare managers and providers face when implementing disease surveillance programmes and perceptions and experiences of these healthcare professionals regarding barriers to effective surveillance of infectious diseases are less well studied in Pakistan. Such information will not only give an in-depth insight into the challenges faced in infectious disease surveillance but also inform the policy makers with recommendations for addressing those challenges.…”

“…Moreover, only diseases with global priority (such as COVID-19 and Polio) have managed to get attention, whereas surveillance for diseases of national priority has often struggled to compete for policy space and resources. The scientific literature on infectious disease surveillance in Pakistan is either quantitative in nature or mostly has discussed the implementation of models like the disease early warning system for surveillance 10–12. However, there is a dearth of literature regarding the challenges that healthcare managers and providers face when implementing disease surveillance programmes and perceptions and experiences of these healthcare professionals regarding barriers to effective surveillance of infectious diseases are less well studied in Pakistan.…”