Structure, functions, performance and gaps of event-based surveillance (EBS) in Sudan, 2021: a cross-sectional review

Abstract

Background Event-based surveillance (EBS) is an essential component of Early Warning Alert and Response (EWAR) as per the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005. EBS was established in Sudan in 2016 as a complementary system for Indicator-based surveillance (IBS). This review will provide an overview of the current EBS structure, functions and performance in Sudan and identify the gaps and ways forward. Methods The review followed the WHO/EMRO guidelines and tools. Structured discussions, observation and review of records and guidelines were done at national and state levels. Community volunteers were interviewed through phone calls. Directors of Health Emergency and Epidemic Control, surveillance officers and focal persons for EBS at the state level were also interviewed. SPSS software was used to perform descriptive statistical analysis for quantitative data, while qualitative data was analysed manually using thematic analysis, paying particular attention to the health system level allowing for an exploration of how and why experiences differ across levels. Written and verbal consents were obtained from all participants as appropriate. Results Sudan has a functioning EBS; however, there is an underestimation of its contribution and importance at the national and states levels. The link between the national level and states is ad hoc or is driven by the need for reports. While community event-based surveillance (CEBS) is functioning, EBS from health facilities and from non-health sectors is not currently active. The integration of EBS into overall surveillance was not addressed, and the pathway from detection to action is not clear. The use of electronic databases and platforms is generally limited. Factors that would improve performance include training, presence of a trained focal person at state level, and regular follow-up from the national level. Factors such as staff turnover, income in relation to expenses and not having a high academic qualification (Diploma or MSc) were noticed as inhibiting factors. Conclusion The review recommended revisiting the surveillance structure at national and state levels to put EBS as an essential component and to update guidelines and standard operation procedures SOPs to foster the integration between EBS components and the overall surveillance system. The need for strengthening the link with states, capacity building and re-addressing the training modalities was highlighted.

SWOT Analysis of Communicable Disease Surveillance in Sudan

“…The available literature suggests several weaknesses in Sudan's disease surveillance systems. One would be the di culty in determining whether there is a collective surveillance and response hierarchy at the national level due to a fragmentation of different diseases across various departments and directorates within the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) (11). EBS, for example, is coordinated by the HEEC General Directorate at the FMoH, while Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD) Surveillance falls under the responsibility of the Expanded Programme on Immunization department at the Primary Health Care (PHC) General Directorate (31).…”

“…IBS is predominantly sentinel-based and operates as passive surveillance. However, during epidemics or outbreaks, it transitions into a partially active surveillance approach (10,11). EBS in Sudan has been centrally coordinated through the Surveillance and Information Department (SID) of the Health Emergency and Epidemic Control (HEEC) General Directorate since 2016 as a complementary system for IBS.…”

“…EBS in Sudan has been centrally coordinated through the Surveillance and Information Department (SID) of the Health Emergency and Epidemic Control (HEEC) General Directorate since 2016 as a complementary system for IBS. EBS components include several sub-systems operating under the supportive activities unit, with a focal person for each and a coordinator for all EBS activities (11). Although some scattered mortality records of speci c diseases (e.g.…”

Africa CDC's blueprint to enhance early warning surveillance: accelerating implementation of event-based surveillance in Africa

“…Event-based surveillance (EBS) is a core component of early warning surveillance and is the organized collection, monitoring, assessment, and interpretation of primarily unstructured ad hoc information regarding health events or risks, which may represent an acute risk to human, animal, plant, or environment health. 1 , 2 Country experiences during the COVID-19 demonstrated key gaps in event- based surveillance including, sub-optimal reporting from non-traditional sources such as communities, private health facilities and other socially connected community settings (churches, schools etc). 3 …”