Title : Evaluation of Malaria Epidemiological Surveillance System, South Department, Haiti, 2018 -2021
Abstract:
Background: In 2021, 21,868 cases of malaria were recorded in Haiti. South department is one of the three departments with most cases of malaria. 1,559 cases were recorded in the south department in 2021, 603 cases in young adults aged 15-49 years. Despite multiple interventions implemented to fight malaria in this department, the incidence is still high. This study aim to assess the malaria surveillance system in the South Department of Haiti. Methods: A descriptive study with a mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative) was carried out to assess qualitative and quantitative attributes such as simplicity, flexibility, acceptability, responsiveness, representability, and utility using the CDC's 2021 Updated Guidelines for assessing Public Health Surveillance Systems. A questionnaire was administered to the personnel concerned on the basis of their involvement in surveillance activities. Quantitative and descriptive analyses were carried out. Malaria data exported from Monitoring Evaluation Surveillance Integrated platform from 2018 to 2021 was analyzed using Epi info 7. Results: 8,058 confirmed cases of malaria, including 13 deaths were reported from 2018 to 2021. 4,141 cases (51%) were men; 3,912 cases (49%) were aged 15-49 years; 69% of deaths were women. The incidence rate was 2.34 per 1000 inhabitants .We found a simplicity of 88%, flexibility of 100%, an acceptability of 71.75%, a reactivity of 60%, a representativeness of 61.66% and a stability of 85%. Reported cases were investigated (45%). Conclusion: The malaria surveillance system is operational and useful. The program should emphasize the investigation of cases, regular staff updating and feedback. It is simple, flexible and acceptable. However, it is unrepresentative and unresponsive. Improve the system representativeness and responsiveness.
