Navigating Implementation: A Qualitative Exploration of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Response in Zambia

Surveillance is an imperative for health systems to thrive and respond to emerging and re-emerging diseases.It is even more important for planning and technical planning for public health emergencies.Having a system that integrates various components not only improves a country capability to prepare for such events but also, it provides a platform for continuous reporting and steady flow of information.A qualitative study conducted 14 key informant interviews with officers who play a pivotal role in the implementation of the Integrated Disease Surveillance System (IDSR) from eight districts of five provinces executed.Various common themes emerged, these were roles and oversight in implementation, enablers of IDSR, implementation challenges/barriers, intersectional coordination and recommendations for improvement and sustained use.A consensus emerged regarding the improvements in reporting, which after the IDSR is considered timelier, prompt, accurate and efficient.This implies that as a country, there has been an improvement in case detection and management.However, gaps still remain in capacity emanating from attrition of designated surveillance staff which threatens sustainability of implementation.