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

Public health surveillance systems are essential for monitoring diseases and managing public health crises efficiently in developing countries like Uganda. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the performance metrics of surveillance systems across different regions. Data were collected using standardised questionnaires and validated against known outcomes. The analysis revealed that the cost per case identified varied significantly between districts, with a median cost-effectiveness ratio of $100 per case detected (CI: $80 - $120). This study provides empirical evidence on the operational efficiency and resource allocation in public health surveillance systems. Investment strategies should prioritise districts with higher costs but lower detection rates to optimise overall system performance. Public Health Surveillance, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Randomized Field Trial, Uganda