A critical review of the infectious diseases surveillance system in the Gaza Strip

Abstract

The development and strengthening of national surveillance systems is a key part of communicable disease control. This review article describes and evaluates the Palestinian surveillance system and discusses the role of the epidemiology departments and other health providers in Gaza Strip in reporting infectious diseases, considers the use of the data collected, and makes recommendations for strengthening infectious diseases surveillance. Underreporting of infectious diseases remains a major problems in communicable diseases surveillance. Recommendations include the unification of the reporting forms between different health providers, increased involvement of health providers in reporting of infectious diseases, and complete separation of surveillance and clinical activities in epidemiology departments.