Browsing by Author "Achempem, K.K."
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Assessment of the Cholera Surveillance System in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipality in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Achempem, K.K.Cholera outbreaks in recent time happens in between epidemic phases of dissimilar lengths in Ghana. The endemic nature of cholera in Ghana makes it prudent for the disease to be managed effectively to enhance rapid detection of likely outbreaks. The surveillance system for cholera is vital for the early detection of cases and outbreaks that will facilitate a swift control of likely epidemics. This study assesses the cholera surveillance system of the Ledzokuku-Krowor municipality of Ghana, a highly cholera endemic area to determine whether the system is performing effectively. Specifically, this study describes the public health importance of cholera in the Ledzokuku-Krowor municipality as well as the significance of the surveillance system. It also describes the purpose and operation of the surveillance system in place at Ledzokuku-Krowor municipality and suggest measures to improve cholera surveillance in the municipality. An assessment of the surveillance system was done using the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines for Surveillance System Evaluation. The study reviewed documents of the surveillance system at various levels in the Ledzokuku-krowor municipality. Semi structured questionnaires were used in interviews with surveillance staff at the municipal and health facilities The research revealed that the Cholera surveillance system in place in the Ledzokuku-krowor municipal is considered suitable by the surveillance and health information staff as it can detect any suspected case of cholera and other disease outbreaks. It was also found that the system is acceptable (83%), flexible and representative. Personnel from the Municipal Health Directorate confirmed there is an efficient technique to verify data quality, a development that positively affects the process of disease surveillance. The research concluded that the cholera surveillance system is meeting its objectives. The Cholera surveillance system is useful and can detect cases. The municipal and the facility staff indicated indepth knowledge on case detection, notification and reporting for cholera. The system could perform better with continuous capacity building being effected at all the levels. The data collected, could also be much better and more meaningful if the system has additional specialized health information staff within all the levels to analyze data which could produce more valuable results for planning and policy.Item Evaluation of the environmental polio surveillance system—Northern Region, Ghana, 2021(PLOS ONE, 2024) Baguune, B.; Achempem, K.K.; Laryea, D.O.; et al.Background Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance is the gold standard in the polio eradication initia tive. The environmental component of polio surveillance can detect circulating Polioviruses from sewage without relying on clinical presentation. The effectiveness of the Environmental Surveillance (ES) is crucial to global polio eradication. We assessed the usefulness and attributes of the ES system in the Northern region and determined if the system is meeting its objectives. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional evaluation in the Northern region from 2019 to 2020 using the updated US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline. We inter viewed stakeholders, reviewed records, and observed surveillance activities from 29th March to 7th May, 2021. Quantitative data were analyzed manually as frequencies and pro portions whiles thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Results One of 48 (2.1%) samples collected tested positive for circulating vaccine-derived Poliovirus (cVDPV). The cVDPV detection triggered enhanced AFP surveillance that resulted in the identification of a case of AFP. Three rounds of polio vaccination campaigns were orga nized. All surveillance officers interviewed were willing to continue providing their services for the ES. Reporting form has few variables and is easy to complete. The completeness of forms was 97.9% (47/48). Samples collected were dispatched on the same day to the test ing laboratory. The system’s data was managed manually. Conclusion The system was useful in detecting polio outbreaks. Data quality was good, the system was simple, flexible, acceptable, representative, and fairly stable. Sensitivity was high but predic tive value positive was low. Timeliness in reporting was good but feedback from the national level could not be assessed. There is a need to improve on the feedback system and ensure that, the surveillance data is managed electronically