African Medical Education Review | 18 August 2012

Methodological Evaluation of Public Health Surveillance Systems in Nigeria: A Randomized Field Trial for Cost-Effectiveness Assessment

F, u, n, m, i, l, a, y, o, O, b, i, ,, O, l, u, w, a, s, e, m, i, p, l, a, c, i, d, e, A, d, e, b, a, y, o, ,, A, b, i, m, b, o, l, a, O, l, a, y, i, w, a, l, a, ,, B, a, m, i, d, e, l, e, O, l, u, d, a, m, o, y, e
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18943518

Abstract

Public health surveillance systems in Nigeria are critical for monitoring disease outbreaks and guiding public health interventions. However, their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness remain under scrutiny. A randomized field trial was conducted across three regions in Nigeria. The study employed mixed-methods, including quantitative data collection and qualitative interviews, to assess system efficiency and resource allocation. The analysis revealed that the surveillance systems were moderately effective at detecting disease outbreaks (85% accuracy), but there was significant variability in reporting delays between regions (mean \(delay = 7\) days with a 95% confidence interval of ±2 days). While Nigeria’s public health surveillance systems are generally effective, they exhibit substantial regional disparities that require targeted improvements to enhance their overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Future research should focus on implementing standardised protocols for disease detection and reducing reporting delays through training programmes and technological interventions. Public Health Surveillance Systems, Nigeria, Cost-Effectiveness, Randomized Field Trial