Abstract

Abstract:

Community-Based Surveillance (CBS) is a vital tool for preparedness and early detection of disease outbreaks in densely populated countries like Bangladesh. It offers a complementary approach to existing surveillance systems, acts as a gateway to reach remote and marginalized populations overcoming limitations of facility-based surveillance. Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR) is jointly implementing CBS under BDRCS’s Pilot Programmatic Partnership (PPP), with objective of improving the early detection and response of outbreaks like dengue fever, acute watery diarrhea (AWD), influenza like illness (ILI) and unusual events at community. The piloting is being conducted in the 12 wards of three City Corporations of Bangladesh: Dhaka South, Rajshahi and Sylhet. Total 38400 households are enrolled that represent the whole ward, specially prioritizing the vulnerable areas like slums, riverbanks etc. In each ward, 20 community volunteers are identifying, recording, and reporting on the suspected cases based on community case definitions. The data are collected in real time using customized application prepared with the support of CBS technical team. A two-way reporting system is planned to be established along with formulation of a real time dashboard which will visualize the day-to-day analysis. A fortnightly report will be generated and circulated within the team and local health authorities. BDRCS unit verifying the data, further coordinates with the local health authority and National team for any required investigation. CBS links community-generated data into facility-based surveillances of Bangladesh, set alert thresholds and improve early detection and timely response of disease outbreaks. This community driven system complements Early Warning, Alert and Response System (EWARS) by community engagement, ownership, and strengthen existing health system coordination.