Year: 2024 | Month: October | Volume: 14 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 96-112
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20241012
A Systematic Review of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Implementation Among African Countries Between 2010 and 2024
Chisotwa Muyembe1,2, Eustarckio Kazonga1, Rogers Shitiavayi Songole1, Keegan Shamisale3, Josphat Nkole4, Titus Haakonde5, Precious Kalubula6
1Department of Public Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia.
2Department of Public Health, Kafue District Health Office, Ministry of Health, Zambia.
3Department of Family Health and Nutrition - Jhpeigo, Eastern Province Zambia.
4Department of Laboratory and Clinical Services, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
5School of Applied and Health Sciences, Environmental Health Section, Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce, Lusaka, Zambia.
6World Health Emergencies, World Health Organization Country Office- Zambia
Corresponding Author: Chisotwa Muyembe
ABSTRACT
Background: The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) approach, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African region, aims to enhance African countries' capacity to identify and address public health threats. This approach is crucial in mitigating the prevalence of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in Africa, where health systems often face significant challenges. However, the implementation of IDSR systems varies across the continent. The object of the review was to evaluate the performance of IDSR systems in Africa by examining their core and supportive functions and surveillance attributes. The objective of the review is to identify strengths and weaknesses in IDSR implementation, assess the effectiveness of these systems in detecting and responding to public health threats, and provide recommendations for improvement.
Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS framework, an extensive search of scholarly databases identified 61 relevant publications from 2010 to 2024. These studies were evaluated using the AACODS (authority, accuracy, coverage, date, and significance) checklist the STROBE critical review checklist, and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Furthermore, key metrics were used such as data reporting, outbreak detection, and response timeframes, considering contextual factors affecting IDSR success in different countries.
Results: The review reveals significant variability in IDSR performance across African countries. Some countries have effectively implemented IDSR, demonstrating strong data reporting, timely outbreak detection, and rapid response capabilities. Others face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient training, and poor data management, limiting their IDSR effectiveness. Supportive functions like supervision, feedback, and resource availability are critical in enhancing IDSR performance.
Conclusion: Strengthening IDSR systems in Africa is crucial for better detecting and responding to public health threats. Despite progress, significant gaps remain, particularly in countries with less developed health systems. Targeted actions, including increased budget allocation, infrastructure development, and capacity building, are needed to address these gaps.
Key words: Infectious; Implementation; International Health Regulations; challenges; opportunities