Open AccessA critical review of the infectious diseases surveillance system in the Gaza Strip
Author(s) -
Rabih Awad,
Al Rahman Omer A,
Abu Shahla N
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
eastern mediterranean health journal/eastern mediterranean health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.442
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1687-1634
pISSN - 1020-3397
DOI - 10.26719/2001.7.1-2.274
Subject(s) - communicable disease , epidemiology , medicine , epidemiological surveillance , infectious disease (medical specialty) , gaza strip , environmental health , medical emergency , family medicine , disease , public health , palestine , nursing , pathology , ancient history , history
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 problem 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.