Monitoring and evaluation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response in selected districts in Tanzania

Abstract

Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) is a strategy developed by the World Health Organization
Regional Office for Africa in 1998. The Ministry of Health, Tanzania has adopted this strategy for strengthening
communicable diseases surveillance in the country. In order to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of IDSR
monitoring and evaluating the performance of the surveillance system, identifying areas that require strengthening and
taking action is important. This paper presents the findings of baseline data collection for the period October–December
2003 in 12 districts representing eight regions of Tanzania. The districts involved were Mbulu, Babati, Dodoma Rural,
Mpwapwa, Igunga, Tabora Urban, Mwanza Urban, Muleba, Nkasi, Sumbawanga Rural, Tunduru and Masasi. Results are
grouped into three key areas: surveillance reporting, use of surveillance data and management of the IDSR system. In
general, reporting systems are weak, both in terms of receiving all reports from all facilities in a timely manner, and in
managing those reports at the district level. Routine analysis of surveillance data is not being done at facility or district
levels, and districts do not monitor the performance of their surveillance system. There was also good communication and
coordination with other sectors in terms of sharing information and resources. It is important that districts' capacity on
IDSR is strengthened to enable them monitor and evaluate their own performance using established indicators.

Keywords: integrated disease surveillance, monitoring, evaluation, Tanzania

Tanzania Health Research Bulletin Vol. 9 (1) 2007: pp. 1-11