Journal Article > ReviewFull Text
Lancet Healthy Longev
Healthy longevity. 30 December 2024; Online ahead of print; 100663.; DOI:10.1016/j.lanhl.2024.100663
van Boetzelaer E, Rathod L, Keating P, Pellecchia U, Sharma S, et al.
Lancet Healthy Longev
Healthy longevity. 30 December 2024; Online ahead of print; 100663.; DOI:10.1016/j.lanhl.2024.100663
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Confl Health. 30 January 2024; Volume 18 (Issue 1); 13.; DOI:10.1186/s13031-024-00571-y
Baertlein L, Dubad BA, Sahelie B, Damulak IC, Osman M, et al.
Confl Health. 30 January 2024; Volume 18 (Issue 1); 13.; DOI:10.1186/s13031-024-00571-y
BACKGROUND
This study evaluated an early warning, alert and response system for a crisis-affected population in Doolo zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia, in 2019–2021, with a history of epidemics of outbreak-prone diseases. To adequately cover an area populated by a semi-nomadic pastoralist, or livestock herding, population with sparse access to healthcare facilities, the surveillance system included four components: health facility indicator-based surveillance, community indicator- and event-based surveillance, and alerts from other actors in the area. This evaluation described the usefulness, acceptability, completeness, timeliness, positive predictive value, and representativeness of these components.
METHODS
We carried out a mixed-methods study retrospectively analysing data from the surveillance system February 2019–January 2021 along with key informant interviews with system implementers, and focus group discussions with local communities. Transcripts were analyzed using a mixed deductive and inductive approach. Surveillance quality indicators assessed included completeness, timeliness, and positive predictive value, among others.
RESULTS
1010 signals were analysed; these resulted in 168 verified events, 58 alerts, and 29 responses. Most of the alerts (46/58) and responses (22/29) were initiated through the community event-based branch of the surveillance system. In comparison, one alert and one response was initiated via the community indicator-based branch. Positive predictive value of signals received was about 6%. About 80% of signals were verified within 24 h of reports, and 40% were risk assessed within 48 h. System responses included new mobile clinic sites, measles vaccination catch-ups, and water and sanitation-related interventions. Focus group discussions emphasized that responses generated were an expected return by participant communities for their role in data collection and reporting. Participant communities found the system acceptable when it led to the responses they expected. Some event types, such as those around animal health, led to the community’s response expectations not being met.
CONCLUSIONS
Event-based surveillance can produce useful data for localized public health action for pastoralist populations. Improvements could include greater community involvement in the system design and potentially incorporating One Health approaches.
This study evaluated an early warning, alert and response system for a crisis-affected population in Doolo zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia, in 2019–2021, with a history of epidemics of outbreak-prone diseases. To adequately cover an area populated by a semi-nomadic pastoralist, or livestock herding, population with sparse access to healthcare facilities, the surveillance system included four components: health facility indicator-based surveillance, community indicator- and event-based surveillance, and alerts from other actors in the area. This evaluation described the usefulness, acceptability, completeness, timeliness, positive predictive value, and representativeness of these components.
METHODS
We carried out a mixed-methods study retrospectively analysing data from the surveillance system February 2019–January 2021 along with key informant interviews with system implementers, and focus group discussions with local communities. Transcripts were analyzed using a mixed deductive and inductive approach. Surveillance quality indicators assessed included completeness, timeliness, and positive predictive value, among others.
RESULTS
1010 signals were analysed; these resulted in 168 verified events, 58 alerts, and 29 responses. Most of the alerts (46/58) and responses (22/29) were initiated through the community event-based branch of the surveillance system. In comparison, one alert and one response was initiated via the community indicator-based branch. Positive predictive value of signals received was about 6%. About 80% of signals were verified within 24 h of reports, and 40% were risk assessed within 48 h. System responses included new mobile clinic sites, measles vaccination catch-ups, and water and sanitation-related interventions. Focus group discussions emphasized that responses generated were an expected return by participant communities for their role in data collection and reporting. Participant communities found the system acceptable when it led to the responses they expected. Some event types, such as those around animal health, led to the community’s response expectations not being met.
CONCLUSIONS
Event-based surveillance can produce useful data for localized public health action for pastoralist populations. Improvements could include greater community involvement in the system design and potentially incorporating One Health approaches.
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
Lancet Healthy Longev
Healthy longevity. 1 January 2024; Volume 5 (Issue 1); e76-e82.; DOI:10.1016/S2666-7568(23)00244-1
van Boetzelaer E, van de Kamp J, Keating P, Sharma SK, Pellecchia U, et al.
Lancet Healthy Longev
Healthy longevity. 1 January 2024; Volume 5 (Issue 1); e76-e82.; DOI:10.1016/S2666-7568(23)00244-1
Journal Article > LetterFull Text
Lancet. 20 October 2023; Volume S0140-6736 (Issue 23); 02355-3.; DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02355-3
van Boetzelaer E, Franco OH, Moussally K, Khammash U, Escobio F
Lancet. 20 October 2023; Volume S0140-6736 (Issue 23); 02355-3.; DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02355-3
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
PLOS Glob Public Health. 17 July 2023; Volume 3 (Issue 7); e0002142.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pgph.0002142
van Boetzelaer E, Browne JL, Vaid S, Pellecchia U, van de Kamp J, et al.
PLOS Glob Public Health. 17 July 2023; Volume 3 (Issue 7); e0002142.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pgph.0002142