Evaluation of the Indonesian Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS) in West Papua, Indonesia
Loading...
Date
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Health Organization. Regional Office for South-East Asia
Abstract
Description
Background The Early Warning and Response System (EWARS) is Indonesia’s national syndromicand early warning surveillance system for the rapid detection of infectious diseases and outbreaks. Weevaluated EWARS in the remote West Papua province of Indonesia.Methods Structured telephone interviews were conducted with 11 key informants from West Papuanhealth services. EWARS data were analysed for usefulness of reporting.Results Most respondents reported that EWARS is important and useful in improving early detectionof outbreaks. The system has led to increased disease control coordination among health jurisdictionallevels in the province. However, respondents noted that the limited number of districts involved inthe system affected representativeness, and some stated that only about 30–35% of districts in eachregency were involved and trained in EWARS reporting, partly owing to lack of a mobile telephonenetwork. Barriers to complete reporting and response to alerts included limited human and fundingresources for surveillance, lack of epidemiological training, and technical limitations imposed by limitedinternet and mobile communication infrastructure in this remote region.Conclusion Great progress has been made in integrating West Papua into a nationally consistentdisease and outbreak detection system. Strategies for addressing barriers resulting from remoteness,constrained human, funding and laboratory resources, lack of training, and limited internet andcommunications infrastructure are needed if EWARS in West Papua is to advance.
111
117
111
117