The functional status of disease surveillance and notification system at the local government level in Yobe State, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
An effective Disease surveillance system provides information that is required for appropriate action. Although evaluated by attributes like sensitivity, predictive value and representativeness, the assessment of its operational status is critical, especially in developing countries.


METHODS
We conducted this cross sectional survey among 144 health personnel from facilities and Local Government disease surveillance officers, using pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire and observational checklist.


RESULTS
This showed that only 55 (38.2%) of the respondents were aware of the Disease surveillance and notification (DSN) system. Fifty-eight (65.9%) and 7 (8.0%) of the facilities had up-to-date registers and DSN forms respectively. Diagnostic support was lacking in most of the health facilities. Data was not analysed at LGA level, and forms and logistics for supervising disease surveillance activities and feedback were inadequate.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend training/retraining of health personnel on infectious disease surveillance, provision of logistics, improved supervision and feedback of information.
Bawa
S B
SB
Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. sbawa2@yahoo.com
Umar
U S
US
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018563:Disease Notification; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009111:Local Government; D009549:Nigeria; D011159:Population Surveillance