Evaluating IDSR Implementation in Benue State, Nigeria: DHIS2 Data Quality and Surveillance Capacity

• Author(s): Uche Carine Ekemezie; Glory Ohunyon; Emily Sydney
• Paper ID: 1718215
• Page: 334-361
• Published Date: 30-11-2019
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 2 Issue 6 December-2018

Abstract

The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response strategy provides the organising framework for communicable disease surveillance across the African region, yet implementation quality varies substantially across states and local government areas, with Benue State facing persistent challenges of reporting incompleteness, timeliness deficits, inadequate DHIS2 analytical capacity, and limited outbreak investigation infrastructure. The proposed IDSR Governance and Capacity Strengthening Framework for Benue State — a structured implementation pathway addressing governance accountability, technical capacity, workforce strengthening, and cross-sector integration requirements for high-performing surveillance. The framework employs a five-level IDSR maturity model — progressing from Minimal through Developing, Competent, Advanced, to Exemplary — with domain-specific performance indicators for reporting infrastructure, laboratory confirmation, data quality, and response capacity. Benue State's baseline IDSR performance is assessed against the maturity model, revealing Level two (Developing) status in most domains and identifying the specific capacity investments with the highest impact on maturity progression. Governance accountability mechanisms — including quarterly performance review with defined escalation pathways, DSNO supervision protocols, and LGA performance benchmarking — are specified as the primary drivers of sustained IDSR improvement. One Health integration strategies connecting human, animal, and environmental surveillance are proposed for the conditions most affected by the Benue State ecological and agricultural context. The framework provides state health ministries, NCDC, and development partners with a structured, evidence-grounded investment roadmap for advancing Benue State IDSR performance and contributing to national health security obligations under the International Health Regulations.

Keywords

Disease Surveillance, IDSR, DHIS2, Benue State, Nigeria, Community Health Workers, Outbreak Detection, Health Information Systems, Sub-Saharan Africa

Citations

IRE Journals:
Uche Carine Ekemezie, Glory Ohunyon, Emily Sydney "Evaluating IDSR Implementation in Benue State, Nigeria: DHIS2 Data Quality and Surveillance Capacity" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 2 Issue 6 2018 Page 334-361

IEEE:
Uche Carine Ekemezie, Glory Ohunyon, Emily Sydney "Evaluating IDSR Implementation in Benue State, Nigeria: DHIS2 Data Quality and Surveillance Capacity" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 2(6)