Effect of implementation of community–based surveillance initiative approach and the role of volunteers in reflecting the epidemiological situation in Algableen locality - White Nile states Sudan, 2020: Cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: The surveillance system of infectious diseases and events is recognized as the cornerstone of public health decision-making and practice additionally the International Health Regulation requested counties implement other types of surveillance to support the routine surveillance system and to increase the detection rate and sensitivity in reporting the diseases, event, or any public health emergency with international concern (PHEIC). This study aimed to assess the implementation level of community-based surveillance systems to ensure that the system is implemented efficiently and effectively. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional community-based study conducted in Algableen locality White Nile states –from 2017 to 2020 involved 40 community volunteers to identify the effect of community–based surveillance in the locality as an initiative approach, Data was collected by using a per-prepared and pretested questionnaire followed WHO/EMRO tools for community volunteers at villages level felt through phone calls. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 20). Written and verbal consent were obtained from all participants as appropriate. Results Community-based surveillance started in 2016 endorsement and approval of guidelines Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and training materials has been developed in 2017, there were significant positive changes in the implementation of this system the system was implemented in 17 states with a percentage of 94.4%, the evidence for this is the result revealed availability of guidelines and SOPs was 94.1% and 88.2%, completeness, and timeliness of system data was 94.1% the system database and shared the system finding with partners at the state level were 70.6% At the community level, the result revealed that the community volunteers had a clear contribution in reporting the cases and events this supported the indicator-based surveillance and increased the system sensitivity in the study area, 35% of them report syndromic diseases, disasters, and animals deaths, 57% of them they report syndromic diseases and disaster, related to that, the result revealed97% of them they had the reporting format available and 75% reporting signal to locality level regularly. From the analysis of biological events, the volunteer reported 54% of the signal as diarrheal diseases and 81% of signals reported as floods from natural events, also they have reported increases in mosquitoes in the study area. Conclusion The study revealed a significant positive impact when the implementation of a community-based surveillance system this system helps in reflection of the epidemiological situation in the villages and locality, based on these findings the study recommended that, rapid and early response for the reported cases and rumors or any other event from the locality and state level reported by community volunteers, Regular refresh and basic training for community volunteers and secure the communication facilities and running cost.