Conference abstract

Evaluation of measles case-based surveillance system in Edo State, Nigeria, 2016

Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2018:8(93).12 Apr 2018.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2018.8.93.674
Archived on: 12 Apr 2018
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Keywords: Measles, surveillance, Edo State
Opening ceremony

Evaluation of measles case-based surveillance system in Edo State, Nigeria, 2016

Ibrahim Abiodun Seriki1,&, Muhammed Balogun1, Osamwonyi Irowa2

1Nigeria Field Epidemiology & Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria, 2Edo State Ministry of Health, Nigeria

&Corresponding author
Ibrahim Abiodun Seriki, Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: measles is one of the leading causes of death in children despite availability of effective and accessible measles vaccine. In 2015, over 134,200 deaths were recorded globally. Measles infection is endemic in Nigeria with outbreaks recorded all year round. In Nigeria, measles surveillance is active and it involves case reporting and feedback. The objectives of measles surveillance include predicting outbreaks by identifying geographic locations and age groups at risk and evaluating vaccination strategies. We described the surveillance system, assessed the system attributes and performance indicators.

Methods: we interviewed 20 stakeholders using CDC 2001 guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance system. Guideline for measles surveillance and outbreak response in Nigeria was also used to assess the system’s attributes and performance indicators. We obtained January - December 2016 measles surveillance data from Edo State Ministry of Health. Data was analyzed using Epi-info 7.0 to determine frequencies, rates and proportions.

Results: out of 142 suspected cases, 7 (4.9%) were laboratory confirmed (Measles IgM+). Only one (5.5%) Local Government Areas (LGA) reported at least 2 cases a year (Target ≥ 80%). Annual rate of investigation of suspected measles case was 4.4/100,000 (Target ≥ 2/100,000). Proportion of samples that arrived at laboratory within 48 hours was 8% (Target ≥ 80%). Proportion of test results received within a week was 62% (Target ≥ 80%). Proportion of samples arriving at laboratory in good condition was 72% (Target ≥ 90%). Out of the 20 interviewed stakeholders, 16 (80%) found the system difficult to use while all the 20 (100%) agree that it was useful. However, 14 (70%) mentioned that they will benefit from quarterly re-training.

Conclusion: measles case-based surveillance system in Edo State in the year 2016 was useful and representative. However, the system is not meeting its objectives of detecting and predicting outbreaks. Laboratory component and the feedback system need to be improved.