Progress and experiences of implementing an integrated disease surveillance and response system in Somalia; 2016–2023

Bibliographic Data

ID22068446
AuthorsSteven Ssendagire (0000-0002-2582-1660, corresponding author), Mary Joan Karanja (0000-0001-9521-5773), Abdulkhadir Abdi, Mutaawe Lubogo (0000-0002-7664-5564), Abdullah Azad Al, Abdullah Al, Khadija Mzava, Abdinasir Yusuf Osman (0000-0003-3172-5912, University of London), Ahmed Mohamed Abdikarim, Mohamed Abdirahman Abdi, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (0000-0002-2008-9730), Abdirizak Mohamed, Hussein Sheik Ahmed, Nuralein Yusuf Hassan, Aden Hussein, Aisha Daud Ibrahim, Abdullahi Yusuf Mohamed (0000-0002-2416-6262), Ibrahim Mohamed Nur, Ibrahim Nur, Mukhtar Bulale Muhamed (Somali National University), Mohamed Abdelrahman Mohamed (0000-0002-1411-7125, Somali National University), Fawziya Abikar Nur, Hassan Mohamed (0000-0001-6949-3083), Hassan Sheik Ahmed Mohamed, Mohamed Derow, Mohamed Mohamud Derow, Abdifatah Ahmed Diriye (Somali National University), Sk Md Mamunur Rahman Malik (0000-0002-4691-492X)
Year2023
Volume11
Pages1204165-1204165
Publication date2023-09-07
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2023.1204165
PMID37780418
OpenAlexW4386505265
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited13

Introduction: In 2021, a regional strategy for integrated disease surveillance was adopted by member states of the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region. But before then, member states including Somalia had made progress in integration of their disease surveillance systems. We report on the progress and experiences of implementing an integrated disease surveillance and response system in Somalia between 2016 and 2023. Methods: We reviewed 20 operational documents and identified key integrated disease surveillance and response system (IDSRS) actions/processes implemented between 2016 and 2023. We verified these through an anonymized online survey. The survey respondents also assessed Somalia's IDSRS implementation progress using a standard IDS monitoring framework Finally, we interviewed 8 key informants to explore factors to which the current IDSRS implementation progress is attributed. Results: Between 2016 and 2023, 7 key IDSRS actions/processes were implemented including: establishment of high-level commitment; development of a 3-year operational plan; development of a coordination mechanism; configuring the District Health Information Software to support implementation among others. IDSRS implementation progress ranged from 15% for financing to 78% for tools. Reasons for the progress were summarized under 6 thematic areas; understanding frustrations with the current surveillance system; the opportunity occasioned by COVID-19; mainstreaming IDSRS in strategic documents; establishment of an oversight mechanism; staggering implementation of key activities over a reasonable length of time and being flexible about pre-determined timelines. Discussion: From 2016 to 2023, Somalia registered significant progress towards implementation of IDSRS. The 15 years of EWARN implementation in Somalia (since 2008) provided a strong foundation for IDSRS implementation. If implemented comprehensively, IDSRS will accelerate country progress toward establishment of IHR core capacities. Sustainable funding is the major challenge towards IDSRS implementation in Somalia. Government and its partners need to exploit feasible options for sustainable investment in integrated disease surveillance and response

Business · Disease · Disease surveillance · Environmental resource management · Geography · Mainstreaming · Political science · Process management · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Timeline · Computer Science · Data-Driven Disease Surveillance · Medicine · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research · Zoonotic diseases and public health

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