A method for active surveillance of selected communicable diseases

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Surveillance

Background:

• The Western Pacific Region launched an initiative in 1991 to eradicate poliomyelitis by 2000.
• Eradication confirmation requires a robust certification process with specific criteria.
• A sensitive hospital-based surveillance system was developed to detect acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) at the background rate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and evaluate a hospital-based surveillance system for poliomyelitis eradication.
• To assess the system's sensitivity in detecting AFP, measles, and neonatal tetanus.
• To determine compliance with reporting standards for certification.

Main Methods:

• Instituted a hospital-based surveillance system across Pacific countries starting in 1997.
• Collected monthly reports from 53 hospitals on AFP, suspect measles, and neonatal tetanus cases.
• Monitored submission rates to ensure compliance with certification standards.

Main Results:

• The surveillance system included AFP, measles, and neonatal tetanus.
• By mid-1998, 53 hospitals were participating in the surveillance.
• Over 80% of forms were submitted to WHO in 1998, meeting certification standards.

Conclusions:

• The hospital-based surveillance system demonstrated excellent compliance, meeting certification standards for polio eradication.
• The system's success suggests potential for expansion to include other febrile rash illnesses.
• Effective public health action and laboratory confirmation are crucial for comprehensive disease surveillance.