Evaluation of the environmental polio surveillance system—Northern Region, Ghana, 2021
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Date
2024
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Publisher
PLOS ONE
Abstract
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
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), Environmental Surveillance (ES), Northern Region
Citation
Citation: Baguune B, Laryea EB, Frimpong JA, Dapaa S, Achempem KK, Kenu E, et al. (2024) Evaluation of the environmental polio surveillance system—Northern Region, Ghana, 2021. PLoS ONE 19(2): e0294305. https://doi.org/10.1371/ journal.pone.0294305