A Policy Framework for Strengthening Public Health Surveillance Systems in Emerging Economies

• Author(s): Maria Theresa Chinyeaka Kelvin-Agwu ; Ashiata Yetunde Mustapha ; Akachukwu Obianuju Mbata ; Busayo Olamide Tomoh ; Adelaide Yeboah Forkuo; Tolulope Olagoke Kolawole
• Paper ID: 1704005
• Page: 480-495
• Published Date: 31-01-2023
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 6 Issue 7 January-2023

Abstract

Public health surveillance systems are critical for detecting, monitoring, and responding to disease outbreaks, yet emerging economies often struggle with real-time surveillance, reporting accuracy, and rapid outbreak response due to resource limitations. This study proposes a comprehensive policy framework to strengthen public health surveillance in emerging economies by addressing key structural, technological, and governance challenges. Effective surveillance systems require robust data collection, integration, and analysis capabilities to facilitate timely decision-making and intervention strategies. A key component of this framework is the enhancement of digital health infrastructure, including the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), mobile health (mHealth) applications, and artificial intelligence-driven predictive analytics. These technologies improve real-time data collection, reduce reporting errors, and enhance the speed of outbreak detection. Additionally, integrating community-based surveillance (CBS) and participatory disease reporting ensures that underreported cases, particularly in remote and underserved areas, are captured in national health databases. Governance and policy reforms play a crucial role in surveillance system improvement. Strengthening intersectoral collaboration among public health agencies, healthcare providers, and research institutions fosters data sharing and coordinated outbreak responses. Standardized reporting protocols and real-time data interoperability between local and national health networks are essential for ensuring surveillance efficiency. Furthermore, investing in workforce training and capacity building enhances the ability of health professionals to manage and interpret surveillance data effectively. Sustainable funding mechanisms, including international partnerships and public-private collaborations, are necessary to support long-term surveillance infrastructure. Governments must also implement policies to address ethical concerns related to data privacy, security, and equitable access to surveillance technologies. This study concludes that a well-structured policy framework integrating digital health innovations, governance reforms, and community engagement is essential for strengthening disease surveillance in emerging economies. Future research should explore the role of blockchain technology in enhancing data security and transparency in surveillance systems.

Keywords

Public Health Surveillance, Real-Time Disease Monitoring, Outbreak Response, Emerging Economies, Digital Health, Electronic Health Records, Mobile Health, Predictive Analytics, Community-Based Surveillance, Data Interoperability, Policy Framework, Public-Private Partnerships, Health Governance, Capacity Building.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Maria Theresa Chinyeaka Kelvin-Agwu , Ashiata Yetunde Mustapha , Akachukwu Obianuju Mbata , Busayo Olamide Tomoh , Adelaide Yeboah Forkuo; Tolulope Olagoke Kolawole "A Policy Framework for Strengthening Public Health Surveillance Systems in Emerging Economies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 6 Issue 7 2023 Page 480-495

IEEE:
Maria Theresa Chinyeaka Kelvin-Agwu , Ashiata Yetunde Mustapha , Akachukwu Obianuju Mbata , Busayo Olamide Tomoh , Adelaide Yeboah Forkuo; Tolulope Olagoke Kolawole "A Policy Framework for Strengthening Public Health Surveillance Systems in Emerging Economies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 6(7)