P Nsubuga

Publications (2)2.27 Total impact

• Article: Implementing Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response: Four African countries' experience, 1998-2005.

  P Nsubuga, W G Brown, S L Groseclose, L Ahadzie, A O Talisuna, P Mmbuji, M Tshimanga, S Midzi, F Wurapa, W Bazeyo, M Amri, M Trostle, M White
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy was developed by the Africa Regional Office (AFRO) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and proposed for adoption by member states in 1998. The goal was to build WHO/AFRO countries' capacity to detect, report and effectively respond to priority infectious diseases. This evaluation focuses on the outcomes in four countries that implemented this strategy. Major successes included: integration of the surveillance function of most of the categorical disease control programmes; implementation of standard surveillance, laboratory and response guidelines; improved timeliness and completeness of surveillance data and increased national-level review and use of surveillance data for response. The most challenging aspects were: strengthening laboratory networks; providing regular feedback and supervision on surveillance and response activities; routine monitoring of IDSR activities and extending the strategy to sub-national levels.
  Global Public Health 11/2009; 5(4):364-80. · 0.92 Impact Factor
• Article: The data for decision making project: assessment of surveillance systems in developing countries to improve access to public health information.

  K Wilkins, P Nsubuga, J Mendlein, D Mercer, M Pappaioanou
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: By using timely, high-quality information, ministries of health can identify and address priority health problems in their populations more effectively and efficiently. The Data for Decision Making (DDM) project developed a conceptual model for a data-driven health system. This model included a systematic methodology for assessing access to information to be used as a basis for improvement in national health surveillance systems. The DDM surveillance assessment methodology was applied to six systems in five countries by staff from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ministry of health personnel at national, regional, district and local levels were interviewed using either informal conversation or an interview guide approach, and their methods for collecting and using data were reviewed. Attributes of timeliness, accuracy, simplicity, flexibility, acceptability and usefulness were examined. Problems and their underlying causes were identified. The problems preventing decision makers from having access to information are many and complex. The assessments identified no fewer than eight problem areas that impeded decision makers' access to information. The most common deficiencies were concerning the design of the system, ongoing training of personnel and dissemination of data from the system. To improve the availability of information to public health decision makers, it is recommended that: (a) surveillance system improvement begins with a thorough evaluation of existing systems using approaches outlined by the CDC and the Health Metric Network of the World Health Organization; (b) evaluations be designed to identify specific causes of these deficiencies; (c) interventions for improving systems be directly linked to results of the evaluations; and (d) efforts to improve surveillance systems include sustained attention to underlying issues of training and staff support. The assessment tool presented in this report can be used to facilitate this process.
  Public Health 06/2008; 122(9):914-22. · 1.35 Impact Factor