Integrated Community-Based Syndromic Surveillance for Rural Settled and Mobile Populations in Two Health Districts in Chad: A Case Study Toolkit

Abstract A proof of principle study on integrated and community-based syndromic surveillance using mobile phones (SySMob), was carried out between 2018 and 2020 in two rural health districts in Chad, Yao and Danamadji. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a new health surveillance system targeting rural mobile and settled communities and their animals in Chad. More than 30 participants from 6 health centres (3 in each district) composed of Community health workers (CHWs) and Animal community health workers (ACHWs) in addition to health centres and veterinary posts staff were trained on the use of the tools of the new health surveillance system. Biological samples collection and transport chain were established. Among the 135 suspected cases notified from both sectors, the most reported symptom in humans was fever followed by diarrhoea. In animals, diarrhoea and cough were the most reported symptoms. No human biological sample was collected, however, 26 animal blood samples suspected of anthrax and pasteurellosis were sent to the central laboratory for analysis. The results confirmed 8-positive cases of anthrax and 3 of pasteurellosis. The preliminary outcomes showed the feasibility and the adherence of local stakeholders to the new system regardless of the negative impact of COVID-19 measures during the last phase of the study. The major achievement was the integrated approach across human and animal health sectors. More research is needed to demonstrate the epidemiological, clinical and economic added value of SySMob in both sectors, which is currently in progress by the use of a cohort study. Information © The Authors 2024