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Community-based surveillance: a pilot study from rural Cambodia.
Sophal Oum1, Daniel Chandramohan, Sandy Cairncross
1Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Sophal_oum@hotmail.com
Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH
|June 18, 2005
Summary
A community-based surveillance system (CBSS) in rural Cambodia effectively detected outbreaks and monitored diseases. This system provides vital health information and enables rapid responses, proving beneficial for developing countries.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Systems Research
Background:
- Rural Cambodia faces challenges with traditional health facility-based surveillance systems.
- Timely and representative health data is crucial for effective disease control and outbreak management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of a community-based surveillance system (CBSS) implemented in rural Cambodia.
- To assess the CBSS's ability to provide timely information on health problems and vital events.
- To determine the system's effectiveness in enabling rapid control of outbreaks and communicable diseases.
Main Methods:
- Trained lay people as Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) to report health events.
- VHVs reported suspected outbreaks, infectious diseases, and vital events to local health staff.
- Data analysis and feedback were provided to VHVs during monthly meetings.
Main Results:
- The CBSS successfully detected outbreaks early over a 2-year period.
- The system facilitated regular monitoring of communicable disease trends.
- Continuous updates on pregnancies, births, and deaths were provided, triggering effective disease control responses.
Conclusions:
- A CBSS can effectively supplement existing health facility-based systems in rural Cambodia.
- The system is valuable for rapid outbreak detection, communicable disease monitoring, and vital event notification.
- Replication or adaptation of this CBSS in other developing countries is recommended for its cost-effectiveness and benefits.