Abstract
BackgroundIndia is known to be endemic to numerous infectious diseases. The infectious disease profile of India is changing due to increased human environmental interactions, urbanisation and climate change. There are also predictions of explosive growth in infectious and zoonotic diseases. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP) was implemented in Gujarat in 2004.MethodsWe analysed IDSP data on seven laboratory confirmed infectious diseases from 2005–2011 on temporal and spatial trends and compared this to the National Health Profile (NHP) data for the same period and with other literature. We chose laboratory cases data for Enteric fever, Cholera, Hepatitis, Dengue, Chikungunya, Measles and Diphtheria in the state since well designed vertical programs do not exist for these diseases. Statistical and GIS analysis was done using appropriate software.ResultsOur analysis shows that the existing surveillance system in the state is predominantly reporting urban cases. There are wide variations among reported cases within the state with reports of Enteric fever and Measles being less than half of the national average, while Cholera, Viral Hepatitis and Dengue being nearly double.ConclusionsWe found some limitations in the IDSP system with regard to the number of reporting units and cases in the background of a mixed health system with multiplicity of treatment providers and payment mechanisms. Despite these limitations, IDSP can be strengthened into a comprehensive surveillance system capable of tackling the challenge of reversing the endemicity of these diseases and preventing the emergence of others.
Highlights
India is known to be endemic to a number of infectious diseases ranging from age-old scourges like cholera to relatively recent ones like dengue (1Á3)
Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP) Gujarat, since it began in 2004, has been reporting an increasing trend of six of our seven selected diseases, excluding diphtheria. It appears that a state level monitoring system such as the IDSP holds more promise as a surveillance tool since it has shown a steady rise in reporting of cases
The National Health Profile (NHP) Gujarat has reported less than half the cases reported by the IDSP
Summary
India is known to be endemic to a number of infectious diseases ranging from age-old scourges like cholera to relatively recent ones like dengue (1Á3). We have analysed data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (ISDP) to estimate the rates of select infectious diseases in the state of Gujarat and compared these to published data for the rest of India. Conclusions: We found some limitations in the IDSP system with regard to the number of reporting units and cases in the background of a mixed health system with multiplicity of treatment providers and payment mechanisms. Despite these limitations, IDSP can be strengthened into a comprehensive surveillance system capable of tackling the challenge of reversing the endemicity of these diseases and preventing the emergence of others
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