Assessment of the Operational Coordination of Surveillance and Response to Noncommunicable Diseases in the Butembo Branch of the North Kivu Provincial Health Division, DRC
Abstract:
Coordinated surveillance and response are essential for transforming data on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) into evidence-based prevention and care interventions. This study assessed the level of such coordination in the health districts under the jurisdiction of the Butembo provincial health division in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, evaluative study used a comprehensive approach across all 17 health districts under the Butembo provincial health division. Data were collected using a framework combining a structured questionnaire, observation rubrics, a document review, and the extraction of indicators from the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2). Standardised scores were classified as low (<50%), moderate (50–74%), or high (≥75%). The average overall coordination score was 33.76 ± 5.90%, and all districts scored at a low level. The mean score was 45.93% ± 7.16% for surveillance coordination, 34.74% ± 3.85% for organizational capacity and 17.86% ± 11.35% for response coordination. Indicators extracted from DHIS2 had the highest score (86.76%), while coordination of risk factor surveillance was nearly nonexistent (3.43%). The existing system was primarily oriented towards data collection and transmission, with limited translation of surveillance data into concrete prevention and care interventions. Strengthening the surveillance system and integrating NCDs into health and humanitarian emergency preparedness and response plans are essential.References:
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