Sonia Riaz
All Authors:S. Riaz1, A. Saeed2. 1Ministry of Health Pakistan; 2Health Department, Pakistan
Background
In Pakistan, 20-30% of total deaths among children under 5 years of age are caused by ARIs. District Health Information system (DHIS) Balochistan doesn’t document its burden and etiology properly. To evaluate strengths and weaknesses of ARI surveillance system in Balochistan & to provide better evidence for its prevention and control this evaluation was conducted.
Methods
Evaluation was conducted during September 2019 using CDC guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems. Assessment of qualitative and quantitative system attributes was done. A semi structured questionnaire was used for interviews. Stakeholders were identified and engaged. Review of Literature, office records and reports was done.
Results
DHIS is simple and easy to operate but inflexible in accommodating additional information like ARI outbreaks. Data quality assessed was poor, as less (45%) forms found completed. Timeliness is good as data takes 30 days to reach provincial DHIS.Acceptability is good as government totally relies on DHIS data. Sensitivity calculated was 100 % but Predictive Value Positive (PVP) couldn’t be calculated due to non-available laboratory data. Representativeness is average as it is not covering whole province. System is operational in 30 districts, whereas data from Tertiary care hospitals is not included which is a major source. System is stable, secure and available when required but not integrated with other programs.
Conclusion
DHIS is more or less meeting its objectives. System should cover all 30 districts with inclusion of tertiary care facilities to increase its representativeness. Provision of laboratory services at district level will strengthen surveillance system.