Assessment of the epidemiological surveillance system for COVID-19 in Khujand, Republic of Tajikistan 2022

Objective. Describe the system of epidemiological surveillance of COVID-19 and evaluate its effectiveness by qualitative and quantitative characteristics to provide recommendations.

Material and methods. To evaluate the surveillance system, “Updated Recommendations for evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems: Recommendations of the updated guidelines of the US Centers for Disease Control 2001” were used. 8 public and 6 private providers of medical services were involved in the surveillance system of the city of Khujand. From August 21 to March 27, a review of incoming quantitative data, an electronic list of patients and a review of paper forms of reports related to COVID-19 in 7 state institutions was conducted. We also conducted personal interviews using standardized questionnaires with 15 medical workers from 5 state institutions.

Results. It was found that the surveillance system in the Republic of Tajikistan is flexible. It quickly adapted to the conditions of the pandemic. From August 21 to March 27, only for 19 of the 36 observed weeks (53%), all 7 objects provided report on time. Overall, weekly timely reporting was 92% (range 71-100% for 36 weeks). 706 cases were registered, 662 correctly met the definition, which led to a specificity of 94% (662/706). 46 more cases were not reported, which led to sensitivity of 88% (662/(662+46)).

Conclusion. In general, the system of epidemiological surveillance for COVID-19 fulfills its goals and objectives. It is possible to improve the system: by creating a common database and uniform forms of accounting and reporting on COVID-19; provide employees with a computer and Internet access; hold seminars on the current laws of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan.

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