Technical Guidelines for Integrated Disease Surveillance ... - PHRplus

National4.0 Investigate** 5.0 Respond 6.0 Provide FeedbackNotify regionalinternational networksabout confirmedoutbreakProcess specimensfrom investigation andsend timely results asrequired to each levelTake part inepidemic response7.0 Evaluate and Improvethe SystemMonitor and evaluatetimeliness and completenessof reporting from intermediatelevelsMonitor and evaluatetimeliness of national supportfor outbreak responseMonitor and evaluateeffectiveness of district leveloutbreak response activitiesMonitor routine preventionactivities and modify asneededMonitor quality assurancefor laboratories at lower levelsHow can districts strengthen surveillance and response?Districts can use the matrix in Table 1 to assess the existing surveillance system and profile their role in thesystem. 3 A district may update its profile to decide where priority activities can take place to improve surveillanceand response capacity. The matrix also provides a systematic framework for improving and strengthening adeveloping system. A checklist in Annex 1 outlines what needs to be in place in order to conduct IDSR.Practical uses of the matrix include:Ensuring that all necessary functions and capacities have been identifiedEstablishing accountability to provide a basis for assigning functions to appropriate levels anddetermining what capacities should be presentDeveloping activities and training for human resource developmentManaging and monitoring programmesPlanning for surveillance and laboratory personnel, supplies and materialsMoreover, the matrix illustrates several key assumptions about surveillance systems.If one or more of the elements at each level is not present or is being performed poorly, the risk offailure increases for achieving surveillance and control objectives.An effective system will be supported at each level from the levels above and below.A complete system minimises any delay in taking public health actions.The functions of detection, analysis, investigation, response, feedback and evaluation areinterdependent and should always be linked.What is contained in the guidelines?The manual sets forth basic general guidance on surveillance and response. Its practical guidelines areintended for use as:A general reference for surveillance activities across all levels3Ghana completed an assessment of the surveillance system using an assessment tool developed by WHO/AFRO. Theassessment has already resulted in specific plans and activities.10Technical Guidelines for Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response in Ghana