Sensitivity of the acute flaccid paralysis surveillance system for poliovirus in South Africa, 2016–2019

Introduction. Global poliovirus eradication is a public health emergency of international concern. The acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance programme in South Africa has been instrumental in eliminating polioviruses and keeping the country poliovirus free. Gap statement. The sensitivity of surveillance for polioviruses by every African country is of global interest in the effort to ensure global health security from poliovirus re-emergence. Aim. To describe the epidemiology of polioviruses from AFP cases and environmental samples in South Africa and to report the performance of the AFP surveillance system for the years 2016–2019 against targets established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Methods. Stool specimens from AFP or suspected AFP cases were received and tested as per WHO guidelines. Environmental samples were gathered from sites across the Gauteng province using the grab collection method. Concentration was effected by the two-phase polyethylene glycol method approved by the WHO. Suspected polioviruses were isolated in RD and/or L20B cell cultures through identification of typical cytopathic effects. The presence of polioviruses was confirmed by intratypic differentiation PCR. All polioviruses were sequenced using the Sanger method, and their VP1 gene analysed for mutations. Results. Data from 4597 samples (2385 cases) were analysed from the years 2016–2019. Two cases of immunodeficiency-associated vaccine-derived poliovirus (iVDPV) type 3 were detected in 2017 and 2018. A further 24 Sabin type 1 or type 3 polioviruses were detected for the 4 years. The national surveillance programme detected an average of 3.1 cases of AFP/100 000 individuals under 15 years old (2.8/100 000–3.5/100 000). The stool adequacy of the samples received was 53.0 % (47.0–55.0%), well below the WHO target of 80 % adequacy. More than 90 % of results were released from the laboratory within the turnaround time (96.6 %) and non-polio enteroviruses were detected in 11.6 % of all samples. Environmental surveillance detected non-polio enterovirus in 87.5 % of sewage samples and Sabin polioviruses in 12.5 % of samples. Conclusion. The AFP surveillance programme in South Africa is sensitive to detect polioviruses in South Africa and provided no evidence of wild poliovirus or VDPV circulation in the country.

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Evaluation of the Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance System in Polio-Free Jordan, 2012-2016: Retrospective Secondary Analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.14217 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Fatima Zerriouh ◽

Yousef Khader ◽

Nabil Qasem ◽

Kamel Abusal ◽

Ibrahim Iblan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surveillance System ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Cold Chain ◽

World Health ◽

Eradication Strategy ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance ◽

Afp Surveillance ◽

Stool Specimens

BACKGROUND As part of the polio-eradication strategy, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established a global acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance system. AFP surveillance has successfully helped Jordan achieve polio-free certification. However, there is a substantial risk of polio importation from neighboring countries including Syria and Iraq. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the AFP surveillance in Jordan and identify areas that need improvement. METHODS This retrospective study is a secondary analysis of data that were routinely collected between 2012 and 2016 by Jordan’s Expanded Program on Immunization. The WHO’s minimum performance indicators were used to evaluate the AFP surveillance. RESULTS Cumulatively, 328 AFP cases had been reported. Almost half (n=168, 51.3%) of the patients were aged 1-5 years, and 55.8% (n=183) were male. All cases were discarded (classified as a nonpolio case). The most common cause of AFP was Guillain-Barre Syndrome (n=115, 35.1%). The annualized nonpolio AFP rate increased from 1.4/100,000 children below 15 years of age in 2012 to 4.3 in 2016. National and subnational sensitivities were not met in 2012 and 2013. Adequacy of stool specimens and timeliness of specimens arriving at and processed in the laboratory were constantly above the minimum target. Timeliness of the investigation met the expected target but with a decreasing trend. The nonpolio enterovirus isolation rate was below the target, except in 2016. CONCLUSIONS The AFP surveillance system in Jordan is performing well; however, additional efforts are needed to strengthen the subnational sensitivity. The cold chain from sample collection to laboratory testing has to be maintained to ensure the reliability of stool specimens required for isolation of the nonpolio enterovirus.

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Evaluation of the Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance System in Polio-Free Jordan, 2012-2016: Retrospective Secondary Analysis

JMIR Public Health and Surveillance ◽

10.2196/14217 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. e14217

Author(s):

Fatima Zerriouh ◽

Yousef Khader ◽

Nabil Qasem ◽

Kamel Abusal ◽

Ibrahim Iblan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surveillance System ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Cold Chain ◽

World Health ◽

Eradication Strategy ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance ◽

Afp Surveillance ◽

Stool Specimens

Background As part of the polio-eradication strategy, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established a global acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance system. AFP surveillance has successfully helped Jordan achieve polio-free certification. However, there is a substantial risk of polio importation from neighboring countries including Syria and Iraq. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the AFP surveillance in Jordan and identify areas that need improvement. Methods This retrospective study is a secondary analysis of data that were routinely collected between 2012 and 2016 by Jordan’s Expanded Program on Immunization. The WHO’s minimum performance indicators were used to evaluate the AFP surveillance. Results Cumulatively, 328 AFP cases had been reported. Almost half (n=168, 51.3%) of the patients were aged 1-5 years, and 55.8% (n=183) were male. All cases were discarded (classified as a nonpolio case). The most common cause of AFP was Guillain-Barre Syndrome (n=115, 35.1%). The annualized nonpolio AFP rate increased from 1.4/100,000 children below 15 years of age in 2012 to 4.3 in 2016. National and subnational sensitivities were not met in 2012 and 2013. Adequacy of stool specimens and timeliness of specimens arriving at and processed in the laboratory were constantly above the minimum target. Timeliness of the investigation met the expected target but with a decreasing trend. The nonpolio enterovirus isolation rate was below the target, except in 2016. Conclusions The AFP surveillance system in Jordan is performing well; however, additional efforts are needed to strengthen the subnational sensitivity. The cold chain from sample collection to laboratory testing has to be maintained to ensure the reliability of stool specimens required for isolation of the nonpolio enterovirus.

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Acute Flaccid Paralysis surveillance in Polio Eradication and Beyond: Learning from Bangladesh

10.21203/rs.3.rs-680893/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Humayra Binte Anwar ◽

Yameen Mazumder ◽

Sanjana Nujhat ◽

Bushra Zarin Islam ◽

Anna Kalbarczyk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surveillance System ◽

Disease Surveillance ◽

Technical Assistance ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Polio Eradication ◽

Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Depth Information ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance ◽

Afp Surveillance

Abstract IntroductionGlobal Polio Eradication Initiative, GPEI led by the World Health Organization (WHO), helped to develop standard acute flaccid paralysis surveillance (AFP) system worldwide, including Bangladesh, which comprises infrastructure, knowledge, expertise, funding, technical assistance, and trained personnel. AFP surveillance can complement any disease surveillance systems, and many countries are now utilizing these polio surveillance assets for monitoring other vaccine-preventable diseases. This paper outlines how AFP surveillance has evolved in Bangladesh over time, its success and challenging factors, and its potential to accomplish other health goals.MethodologyThis mixed-method study includes a grey literature review, a survey for quantitative and qualitative information on barriers and facilitators, and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather relevant in-depth information on AFP surveillance in Bangladesh. Grey literature was collected online and paper documentation from different stakeholders. Online and in-person surveys were conducted in six divisions of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chittagong, Sylhet, and Khulna, to map tacit knowledge ideas, approaches, and experiences. KIIs were conducted at global, national, and sub-national levels. Data were then combined on focused emerging themes, including history, challenges, and successes of the AFP surveillance system in Bangladesh.ResultsAFP surveillance in Bangladesh was first introduced in 1990 at the district and Upazila level major hospitals. High population growth, low performance, hard-to-reach areas, and groups of people residing in risky zones were major challenges to implementing this surveillance system. Surveillance was gradually enriched by establishing certification standards and community-based AFP surveillance and improved Surveillance Immunization Medical Officer (SIMO) network activities, laboratory activities, and proper monitoring and evaluation. In Bangladesh, a national disease surveillance system and a laboratory are now being used for multiple diseases, including polio, measles, Japanese Encephalitis, Neonatal Tetanus etc.ConclusionIn Bangladesh, it is evident that the AFP surveillance system is supporting the health system more broadly by building knowledge, experience, and assets and forming a strong platform for other health programs. In addition, its strengths can be leveraged for combating new and emerging diseases like COVID-19. However, the sustainability of the AFP surveillance in Bangladesh still needs collaborative support from partners, mainly technical assistance.

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ACUTE FLACCID PARALYSIS SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM: CURRENT STATUS IN AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR- 2018

Pakistan Journal of Public Health ◽

10.32413/pjph.v9i2.316 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 54-56

Author(s):

Syed Nadeem-ur-Rehman ◽

Uzma Hafeez ◽

Mumtaz Ahmad Khan ◽

Masood Ahmad Bukhari

Keyword(s):

Surveillance System ◽

Disease Surveillance ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Case Definition ◽

Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Current Status ◽

Adjacent Area ◽

Surveillance Systems ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance ◽

Afp Surveillance

Background: The State of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) is polio free since October 2000.The objectives of our study is to review of existing Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance System in Azad Jammu &Kashmir, identify the strong & weak points of the existing system and suggest course of action for efficient performance of the existing system. Methods: This qualitative & quantitative evaluation was conducted at Provincial Disease Surveillance &Response Unit (PDSRU) Muzaffarabad Azad Jammu & Kashmir during March -April 2019. The database of AFP cases during 2018 was reviewed and relevant stakeholder's interviews were conducted consulting guidelines formulated by the Centre for Disease Control & prevention(CDC) in 2001 for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems. Results: In 2018, a total of 265 AFP cases were registered. The mean age was 65 months (range 01 - 180 months). 59 % (n=157) were male children. 58% of cases were under 05 year's age. Standardized case definition and data format with simple information flow was found. System was flexible enough to incorporate measles and neonatal tetanus cases since 2009. Data quality was excellent (100% zero and monthly reports). A close coordination was observed amongst all relevant stakeholders. Sensitivity was 200%. No polio case was identified and therefore, PPV was zero. Majority of cases were reported by public sector (93%).Sufficient financial as well as skilled human resources were available and hence system found stable. Timeliness of reporting found 90%. Conclusion: The performance of AFP surveillance system in AJ&K is up to the mark. However, there is constant threat of reintroduction of polio virus from adjacent area of Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Highly vigilant AFP surveillance system with capacity of rapid response is the solution. Furthermore, it is vital to sustain the AFP Surveillance till the goal of global polio eradication is achieved.

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Evaluation of Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance indicators in Sokoto State, Nigeria, 2012-2019: A secondary data analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-117324/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ismail Abdullateef Raji ◽

Auwal Abubakar Usman ◽

Abdulrahman Ahmad ◽

Saheed Gidado ◽

Abdulhakeem Abayomi Olorukooba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Secondary Data ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Flaccid Paralysis ◽

World Health ◽

Surveillance Network ◽

Polio Virus ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance ◽

Afp Surveillance ◽

Health Organization

Abstract Background: Nigeria and indeed, entire Africa has been certified free of Wild Polio Virus (WPV) in 2020. However, the continent is still at risk of importation of WPV, especially in states like Sokoto in Nigeria, which has an international border. Furthermore, due to low immunity in some communities in Sokoto, outbreaks of the circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (cVDPV) occur. Therefore, this paper evaluates the Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance indicators in Sokoto state, Nigeria. Methods: This retrospective study was an analysis of routinely collected AFP surveillance data between 2012 and 2019 by the Sokoto state surveillance network. We assessed the Sokoto state AFP surveillance system using the AFP surveillance performance indicators. We performed all analyses using Microsoft Excel 2019.Results: Cumulatively, 3001 Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases were reported over the evaluation period, out of which 1692 (56.4%) were males, and 2478 (82.4%) were below five years. More than half, 1773 (59.1%) had a fever at the beginning of the disease, and 1911 (63.7%) had asymmetric paralysis. The non-polio AFP rate (9.1 to 23.5%) and stool adequacy rate (92.5 to 100%) indicate high sensitivity. The proportion of cases that had stool samples collected early, timely transported to the laboratory and arrived at the laboratory in optimal condition were all above the World Health Organization (WHO) minimum standard of 80%. There was inadequate profile documentation of some suspected cases.Conclusions: Sokoto State has exceeded the WHO minimum standards in most of the AFP surveillance indicators. The performance of the system is sufficient enough to detect any reintroduction of WPV into the state. However, there is a need for improvement in data quality.

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The Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) Surveillance System in Yemen, 2010-2015: Descriptive Study Based on Secondary Data Analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.14413 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Khaled Abdullah Almoayed ◽

Ali Bin Break ◽

Mutahar Al-Qassimi ◽

Ali Assabri ◽

Yousef Khader

Keyword(s):

Surveillance System ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Flaccid Paralysis ◽

World Health ◽

Reference Laboratory ◽

Sample Collection ◽

Afp Surveillance ◽

Stool Specimens ◽

Central Level

BACKGROUND Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance is an essential strategy for poliovirus eradication. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the AFP surveillance system in Yemen from 2010 to 2015, identify components that require strengthening, and compare the indicators by year and governorates. METHODS This descriptive study was based on secondary analysis of AFP surveillance data reported during 2010-2015 from all Yemeni governorates. The World Health Organization (WHO) minimum performance standards were used to evaluate the performance of the AFP surveillance system. RESULTS A total of 3019 AFP cases were reported between January 2010 and December 2015. At the national level, AFP surveillance achieved WHO targets throughout the evaluating period for the nonpolio AFP rate of cases per 100,000 members of the population younger than 15 years of age, proportion of AFP cases reported within 7 days, proportion of AFP cases investigated within 48 hours of notification, proportion of AFP cases with two adequate stool specimens, and proportion of stool specimens from which nonpolio enterovirus was isolated. However, the proportion of specimens that arrived at the central level within 3 days of the first sample collection and the proportion of stool specimens with results sent from the reference laboratory within 28 days of receipt did not reach targets in 2011 and 2015, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The AFP surveillance system in Yemen has met most of the WHO indicator levels. Nevertheless, the evaluation showed areas of weakness regarding the arrival of specimens at the central level within 3 days of the first sample collection and delays in processing of the results and submitting feedback by the laboratory. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen the follow-up of specimens submitted to the laboratory.

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Impact of the protracted war on performance of Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance System Indicators, Yemen: 2014-2017 (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.27638 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Riham Al-Dubaiee ◽

Mutaher AL Qassimi ◽

Ahmed Al-Dar ◽

Abdulwahed Al Serouri ◽

Yousef Khader

Keyword(s):

Surveillance System ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽

National Level ◽

Good Condition ◽

Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Reference Laboratory ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance ◽

Afp Surveillance ◽

Stool Specimens ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND Highly sensitive acute flaccid paralysis surveillance (AFP), which include immediate case investigation, and specimen collection are critical for reaching polio global eradication. In Yemen, the Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance System (AFPSS) was launched in 1998 to achieve the polio eradication target. Although Yemen was certified as polio free country in 2009, the protracted war since 2015 put the country at risk for polio re-emergence OBJECTIVE to evaluate the performance of the Yemen AFPSS at both national and governorate levels and to assess the impact of the ongoing war on the performance METHODS Retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted on Yemen secondary AFP surveillance data for the years 2014 (before the war) and 2015-2017 (during the war). Data consisting of all children <15years reported as AFP. AFP surveillance performance was evaluated using WHO-specified AFP surveillance indicators RESULTS At the national level, all indicators were met before and after the war except for the “Lab results received ≤ 28 days” that was unmet since the war erupted. Furthermore, the “Stool specimens arriving at central level ≤3 days” was unmet after the war but only in 2017. At the governorate level, although the “Adequacy” and "Stool specimens arriving at laboratory in good condition” indicators were met before the war in all governorates, the first indicator was unmet in 9 (41%) governorates since the war erupted and the second was unmet in 9 governorates (41%) but only in 2017 CONCLUSIONS Findings showed that some of the AFP indicators was negatively impacted by eruption of the war due to closure of the Sana'a capital airport and postponement of samples during shipment to the reference laboratory under poor storage condition. To ensure rapid detection of any polio cases, improving specimens’ collection, storage, and transportation together with proper and timely specimens' shipment to the reference laboratory should be considered

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Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance system Evaluation, Oyo state, Nigeria; 2008-2014

Online Journal of Public Health Informatics ◽

10.5210/ojphi.v9i1.7674 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maureen Anyanwu

Keyword(s):

Surveillance System ◽

Disease Surveillance ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Case Definition ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Cold Chain ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance ◽

Afp Surveillance ◽

The Mean

ObjectiveWe evaluated the AFP surveillance system in Oyo State to assessits attributes and determine if it was meeting its set objectives.IntroductionIn September, 2015, Nigeria was delisted from the list of polioendemic countries globally. To be certified polio free, the countrymust attain and maintain certification standard Acute Flaccid Paralysis(AFP) surveillance for additional two-years. In Oyo State, no case ofWild Polio Virus (WPV) has been reported since February, 2009.MethodsWe used the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention updatedguidelines for evaluating public health surveillance system.We conducted a retrospective review of AFP surveillance databetween 1stJanuary, 2008 and 31stDecember, 2014. We conductedin-depth interviews with identified stakeholders. Semi-structuredquestionnaires were administered to Disease Surveillance andNotification Officers (DSNOs) and AFP focal persons. Univariateanalysis was performed by calculating frequencies, means andproportions using Microsoft Excel 2010.ResultsThe case definition of AFP and the tools for reporting are simple.Of the 897 AFP cases detected during the period under review(2008-2014), 20 (2.2%) were laboratory confirmed WPV. Thesensitivity of the system between 2008 and 2014 measured by theAnnualized Non-Polio AFP (NPAFP) rate was consistently abovethe target. of≥2/100,000 population(Mean=3.96, Standard deviation(SD): 0.48). The mean NPAFP rate for underperforming LGAs duringthe review period was 1.6, SD: 0.31. The mean Stool adequacy andTimeliness were 91.43% (SD: 18.3) and 91.3% (SD: 20.3) abovethe target of≥80% respectively. The mean Data quality was 90%(target is≥90; SD: 3.8). Positive Predictive Value (PVP) was 2%(2008 -2009), and 0% in 2010-2014.ConclusionsThe Oyo State AFP surveillance system is simple, flexible,sensitive and meeting its set objectives. However, PVP was low andthe system’s operating conditions are not stable. All the LGAs, at onepoint during the period under review did not meet the NPAFP andNPENT rates. We recommended that more logistic support shouldbe provided for non-performing LGAs to improve case reporting,investigation, and response. DSNOs should be re -sensitized onreverse cold chain, so as to improve the NPENT rate

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The Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) Surveillance System in Yemen, 2010-2015: Descriptive Study Based on Secondary Data Analysis

JMIR Public Health and Surveillance ◽

10.2196/14413 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. e14413

Author(s):

Khaled Abdullah Almoayed ◽

Ali Bin Break ◽

Mutahar Al-Qassimi ◽

Ali Assabri ◽

Yousef Khader

Keyword(s):

Surveillance System ◽

Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Flaccid Paralysis ◽

World Health ◽

Reference Laboratory ◽

Sample Collection ◽

Afp Surveillance ◽

Stool Specimens ◽

Central Level

Background Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance is an essential strategy for poliovirus eradication. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the AFP surveillance system in Yemen from 2010 to 2015, identify components that require strengthening, and compare the indicators by year and governorates. Methods This descriptive study was based on secondary analysis of AFP surveillance data reported during 2010-2015 from all Yemeni governorates. The World Health Organization (WHO) minimum performance standards were used to evaluate the performance of the AFP surveillance system. Results A total of 3019 AFP cases were reported between January 2010 and December 2015. At the national level, AFP surveillance achieved WHO targets throughout the evaluating period for the nonpolio AFP rate of cases per 100,000 members of the population younger than 15 years of age, proportion of AFP cases reported within 7 days, proportion of AFP cases investigated within 48 hours of notification, proportion of AFP cases with two adequate stool specimens, and proportion of stool specimens from which nonpolio enterovirus was isolated. However, the proportion of specimens that arrived at the central level within 3 days of the first sample collection and the proportion of stool specimens with results sent from the reference laboratory within 28 days of receipt did not reach targets in 2011 and 2015, respectively. Conclusions The AFP surveillance system in Yemen has met most of the WHO indicator levels. Nevertheless, the evaluation showed areas of weakness regarding the arrival of specimens at the central level within 3 days of the first sample collection and delays in processing of the results and submitting feedback by the laboratory. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen the follow-up of specimens submitted to the laboratory.

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