Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021)

View Issue TOC

Longitudinal Evaluation of Public Health Surveillance Systems in Rwanda: A Time-Series Forecasting Model for Efficiency Optimisation, 2000–2026

Uwase Niyigena, Department of Internal Medicine, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) Alice Mukamana, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) Tharcisse Nkurunziza, University of Rwanda Jean de Dieu Uwimana, University of Rwanda
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18951278
Published: March 2, 2021

Abstract

Public health surveillance systems are critical for early disease detection and resource allocation, yet longitudinal assessments of their operational efficiency over extended periods are scarce, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to develop and validate a time-series forecasting model to quantify longitudinal efficiency gains within Rwanda's integrated disease surveillance and response system, providing a methodological framework for optimising resource deployment. A longitudinal study design was employed, analysing national-level surveillance performance data. A seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model, specified as $\text{SARIMA}(p,d,q)(P,D,Q)_s$, was fitted to forecast key efficiency metrics. Model parameters were estimated using maximum likelihood, and forecast uncertainty was quantified with 95% prediction intervals. The forecasting model indicated a sustained positive trend in system efficiency, with a forecasted mean reduction in reporting latency of approximately 22% over the forecast horizon. Prediction intervals for key efficiency metrics narrowed significantly in later model periods, suggesting improved system stability. The applied time-series model provides a robust, quantitative tool for tracking the longitudinal performance of public health surveillance, demonstrating measurable efficiency improvements within the studied system. Implement the forecasting framework for routine performance monitoring and proactive resource planning. Future research should integrate cost data to evaluate the economic impact of efficiency gains. surveillance systems, time-series analysis, forecasting, operational efficiency, public health, longitudinal study This paper introduces a novel application of SARIMA modelling for the longitudinal, quantitative evaluation of surveillance system efficiency, providing a replicable methodological advance for health systems research.

Full Text:

Read the Full Article

The HTML galley is loaded below for inline reading and better discovery.

How to Cite

Uwase Niyigena, Alice Mukamana, Tharcisse Nkurunziza, Jean de Dieu Uwimana (2021). Longitudinal Evaluation of Public Health Surveillance Systems in Rwanda: A Time-Series Forecasting Model for Efficiency Optimisation, 2000–2026. African Food Systems Research (Interdisciplinary - incl Agri/Env), Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18951278

Keywords

Longitudinal studyPublic health surveillanceTime-series forecastingOperational efficiencySub-Saharan AfricaHealth systems evaluationRwanda

Research Snapshot

Desktop reading view
Language
EN
Formats
HTML + PDF
Publication Track
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021)
Current Journal
African Food Systems Research (Interdisciplinary - incl Agri/Env)

References