Evaluation of Cholera and Other Diarrheal Disease Surveillance System, Niger State, Nigeria-2012

Abstract

Cholera outbreaks are frequent in Nigeria. In July, 2012 we conducted surveillance system evaluation for cholera and other diarrheal disease in a Nigerian state (Niger State) to assess objectives, performance and attributes of the system. We used CDC guidelines on surveillance system evaluation and also analyzed 2007-2012 surveillance data. We found that the system was meeting its objectives, simple, flexible, sensitive with poor data quality, low PPV, average laboratory performance and moderate timeliness. Full electronic and internet-based reporting was recommended to improve completeness, timeliness and data quality; and also provision of laboratory consumables.