Evaluation of the measles surveillance system of the Ga West Municipality, Ghana, 2017

Introduction: Over 140,000 people globally died from measles in 2018; most of which occurred in developing countries. In Ghana, measles is one of the diseases earmarked for elimination in the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy. The measles surveillance system seeks to monitor trends, detect outbreaks and report in a timely manner. In order to improve upon the performance of the Ga West Municipal Measles surveillance system, it was evaluated with the aim of determining its effectiveness. Methods: We used CDC updated guidelines for surveillance system evaluation to assess system attributes. Measles surveillance data from 2012 – 2016 were abstracted from the DHIMS. Case investigation forms, weekly and monthly IDSR reporting forms were reviewed to validate abstracted data. Key surveillance officers were interviewed on system operations. Data was analyzed descriptively to generate frequencies and relative frequencies. Results: The system operated with a reasonable number of disease variables and case definition was simple to apply. The system was found to be integrated with the national IDSR. Government facilities across all seven sub-districts, owned and contributed data to the system. Of the 48 suspected case-patients, 39 (81.0%) were investigated; none of which was positive giving a Predictive value positive (PVP) of 0%. Majority of facilities (though privately owned) did not contribute data to the system. All tested samples were received at the laboratory within the stipulated three (3) days. The system was stable with available case base forms. Over 56% (22/39) of the samples tested had no vaccination records. Data is used to guide routine and supplementary immunization activities. Conclusion: Ga west Municipal measles surveillance system is simple, flexible and generally acceptable. It is sensitive, timely, stable but with low representativeness. It is therefore effective. Municipal health officials have been sensitized on private sector participation and need for quality and timely data

Hand hygiene and face mask wearing practices for COVID-19 prevention: a non-intrusive observation of patrons of community convenience shops in Accra, Ghana

Introduction: in the absence of a vaccine and definitive treatment, non-pharmacological measures of physical distancing, regular hand hygiene and wearing of face covering remain the mainstays of mitigating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In Ghana, these measures are mandatory in public places and underpin COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC). We assessed adherence and appropriate performance of these measures among patrons of community convenience shops in selected hotspots. Methods: we conducted a non-intrusive observation of patrons of convenience shops in COVID-19 burden hotspots. We observed patrons as they entered and exited the shops and collected data on their gender, adherence and appropriate use of face covering and hand hygiene facilities. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially to determine factors associated with adherence to IPC guidelines. Results: of 800 patrons observed from eight community shops, 481 (60.1%) were males. Of these, 653 (81.6%) wore face covering and 98 (12.3%) performed hand hygiene; with 92 (11.5%) adhering to both measures. Patrons who wore face mask appropriately were 578; comprising 299 (92.3%) of patrons who wore face mask before entering the shops. Of 89 patrons who washed their hands, appropriate handwashing was recorded among nine (10.1%). Compared to inappropriate handwashing, appropriate handwashing was negatively associated with adherence to IPC guidelines [aOR=0.1 (95% CI=0.01-0.59)]. Conclusion: adherence to and appropriate performance of IPC measures of handwashing and use of face covering in the selected shops was low. There is the need to complement availability of IPC measures with intensification of risk communication messaging targeted at ensuring their appropriate use

Hand hygiene and face mask wearing practices for COVID-19 prevention: a non-intrusive observation of patrons of community convenience shops in Accra, Ghana

Introduction:in the absence of a vaccine and definitive treatment, non-pharmacological measures of physical distancing, regular hand hygiene and wearing of face covering remain the mainstays of mitigating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In Ghana, these measures are mandatory in public places and underpin COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC). We assessed adherence and appropriate performance of these measuresamong patrons of community convenience shops in selected hotspots.Methods:we conducted a non-intrusive observation of patrons of convenience shops in COVID-19 burden hotspots. We observed patrons as they entered and exited the shops and collected data ontheir gender, adherence and appropriate use of face covering and hand hygiene facilities. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially to determine factors associated with adherence to IPC guidelines.Results:of 800 patrons observed from eight community shops, 481 (60.1%) were males. Of these, 653 (81.6%) wore face covering and 98 (12.3%) performed hand hygiene; with 92 (11.5%) adhering to both measures. Patrons who wore face mask appropriately were 578; comprising 299 (92.3%) of patrons who wore face mask before entering the shops. Of 89 patrons who washed their hands, appropriate handwashing was recorded among nine (10.1%). Compared to inappropriate handwashing, appropriate handwashing was negatively associated with adherence to IPC guidelines [aOR=0.1 (95% CI=0.01-0.59)].Conclusion:adherence to and appropriate performance of IPC measures of handwashing and use of face covering in the selected shops was low. There is the need to complement availability of IPC measures with intensification of risk communication messaging targeted at ensuring their appropriate use