Migration from Epi Info to District Health Information Software 2 for Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance - World Health Organization African Region, 2019-2023.

High-quality vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance data are critical for timely outbreak detection and response. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) African Regional Office (AFRO) began transitioning from Epi Info, a free, CDC-developed statistical software package with limited capability to integrate with other information systems, affecting reporting timeliness and data use, to District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2). DHIS2 is a free and open-source software platform for electronic aggregate Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) and case-based surveillance reporting. A national-level reporting system, which provided countries with the option to adopt this new system, was introduced. Regionally, the Epi Info database will be replaced with a DHIS2 regional data platform. This report describes the phased implementation from 2019 to the present. Phase one (2019-2021) involved developing IDSR aggregate and case-based surveillance packages, including pilots in the countries of Mali, Rwanda, and Togo. Phase two (2022) expanded national-level implementation to 27 countries and established the WHO AFRO DHIS2 regional data platform. Phase three (from 2023 to the present) activities have been building local capacity and support for country reporting to the regional platform. By February 2024, eight of 47 AFRO countries had adopted both the aggregate IDSR and case-based surveillance packages, and two had successfully transferred VPD surveillance data to the AFRO regional platform. Challenges included limited human and financial resources, the need to establish data-sharing and governance agreements, technical support for data transfer, and building local capacity to report to the regional platform. Despite these challenges, the transition to DHIS2 will support efficient data transmission to strengthen VPD detection, response, and public health emergencies through improved system integration and interoperability.

Effects of COVID-19 on Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance Systems in the World Health Organization African Region, 2020.

Global emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 curtailed vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance activities, but little is known about which surveillance components were most affected. In May 2021, we surveyed 214 STOP (originally Stop Transmission of Polio) Program consultants to determine how VPD surveillance activities were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020, primarily in low- and middle-income countries, where program consultants are deployed. Our report highlights the responses from 154 (96%) of the 160 consultants deployed to the World Health Organization African Region, which comprises 75% (160/214) of all STOP Program consultants deployed globally in early 2021. Most survey respondents observed that VPD surveillance activities were somewhat or severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Reprioritization of surveillance staff and changes in health-seeking behaviors were factors commonly perceived to decrease VPD surveillance activities. Our findings suggest the need for strategies to restore VPD surveillance to prepandemic levels.

Evaluation of Senegal's prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) program data for HIV surveillance.

BACKGROUND: With the expansion of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services in Senegal, there is growing interest in using PMTCT program data in lieu of conducting unlinked anonymous testing (UAT)-based ANC Sentinel Surveillance. For this reason, an evaluation was conducted in 2011-2012 to identify the gaps that need to be addressed while transitioning to using PMTCT program data for surveillance. METHODS: We conducted analyses to assess HIV prevalence rates and agreements between Sentinel Surveillance and PMTCT HIV test results. Also, a data quality assessment of the PMTCT program registers and data was conducted during the Sentinel Surveillance period (December 2011 to March 2012) and 3 months prior. Finally, we also assessed selection bias, which was the percentage difference from the HIV prevalence among all women enrolled in the antenatal clinic and the HIV prevalence among women who accepted PMTCT HIV testing. RESULTS: The median site HIV prevalence using routine PMTCT HIV testing data was 1.1% (IQR: 1.0) while the median site prevalence from the UAT HIV Sentinel Surveillance data was at 1.0% (IQR: 1.6). The Positive per cent agreement (PPA) of the PMTCT HIV test results compared to those of the Sentinel Surveillance was 85.1% (95% CI 77.2-90.7%), and the percent-negative agreement (PNA) was 99.9% (95% CI 99.8-99.9%). The overall HIV prevalence according to UAT was the same as that found for women accepting a PMTCT HIV test and those who refused, with percent bias at 0.00%. For several key PMTCT variables, including "HIV test offered" (85.2%), "HIV test acceptance" (78.0%), or "HIV test done" (58.8%), the proportion of records in registers with combined complete and valid data was below the WHO benchmark of 90%. CONCLUSIONS: The PPA of 85.1 was below the WHO benchmarks of 96.6%, while the combined data validity and completeness rates was below the WHO benchmark of 90% for many key PMTCT variables. These results suggested that Senegal will need to reinforce the quality of onsite HIV testing and improve program data collection practices in preparation for using PMTCT data for surveillance purposes.

Using Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance as a Platform for Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance.

Surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is a fundamental cornerstone of the global polio eradication initiative (GPEI). Active surveillance (with visits to health facilities) is a critical strategy of AFP surveillance systems for highly sensitive and timely detection of cases. Because of the extensive resources devoted to AFP surveillance, multiple opportunities exist for additional diseases to be added using GPEI assets, particularly because there is generally 1 district officer responsible for all disease surveillance. For this reason, integrated surveillance has become a standard practice in many countries, ranging from adding surveillance for measles and rubella to integrated disease surveillance for outbreak-prone diseases (integrated disease surveillance and response). This report outlines the current level of disease surveillance integration in 3 countries (Nepal, India, and Nigeria) and proposes that resources continue for long-term maintenance in resource-poor countries of AFP surveillance as a platform for surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases and other outbreak-prone diseases.

Yellow Fever Outbreak - Kongo Central Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, August 2016.

On April 23, 2016, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC's) Ministry of Health declared a yellow fever outbreak. As of May 24, 2016, approximately 90% of suspected yellow fever cases (n = 459) and deaths (45) were reported in a single province, Kongo Central Province, that borders Angola, where a large yellow fever outbreak had begun in December 2015. Two yellow fever mass vaccination campaigns were conducted in Kongo Central Province during May 25-June 7, 2016 and August 17-28, 2016. In June 2016, the DRC Ministry of Health requested assistance from CDC to control the outbreak. As of August 18, 2016, a total of 410 suspected yellow fever cases and 42 deaths were reported in Kongo Central Province. Thirty seven of the 393 specimens tested in the laboratory were confirmed as positive for yellow fever virus (local outbreak threshold is one laboratory-confirmed case of yellow fever). Although not well-documented for this outbreak, malaria, viral hepatitis, and typhoid fever are common differential diagnoses among suspected yellow fever cases in this region. Other possible diagnoses include Zika, West Nile, or dengue viruses; however, no laboratory-confirmed cases of these viruses were reported. Thirty five of the 37 cases of yellow fever were imported from Angola. Two-thirds of confirmed cases occurred in persons who crossed the DRC-Angola border at one market city on the DRC side, where ≤40,000 travelers cross the border each week on market day. Strategies to improve coordination between health surveillance and cross-border trade activities at land borders and to enhance laboratory and case-based surveillance and health border screening capacity are needed to prevent and control future yellow fever outbreaks.

Respondent-Driven Sampling in a Multi-Site Study of Black and Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men.

PURPOSE: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit four samples of Black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) in three metropolitan areas to measure HIV prevalence and sexual and drug use behaviors. We compared demographic and behavioral risk characteristics of participants across sites, assessed the extent to which the RDS statistical adjustment procedure provides estimates that differ from the crude results, and summarized our experiences using RDS. METHODS: From June 2005 to March 2006 a total of 2,235 MSM were recruited and interviewed: 614 Black MSM and 516 Latino MSM in New York City, 540 Black MSM in Philadelphia, and 565 Latino MSM in Los Angeles County. Crude point estimates for demographic characteristics, behavioral risk factors and HIV prevalence were calculated for each of the four samples. RDS Analysis Tool was used to obtain population-based estimates of each sampled population's characteristics. RESULTS: RDS adjusted estimates were similar to the crude estimates for each study sample on demographic characteristics such as age, income, education and employment status. Adjusted estimates of the prevalence of risk behaviors were lower than the crude estimates, and for three of the study samples, the adjusted HIV prevalence estimates were lower than the crude estimates. However, even the adjusted HIV prevalence estimates were higher than what has been previously estimated for these groups of MSM in these cities. Each site faced unique circumstances in implementing RDS. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience in using RDS among Black and Latino MSM resulted in diverse recruitment patterns and uncertainties in the estimated HIV prevalence and risk behaviors by study site.

A global comprehensive vaccine-preventable disease surveillance strategy for the immunization Agenda 2030.

As part of the Immunization Agenda 2030, a global strategy for comprehensive vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance was developed. The strategy provides guidance on the establishment of high-quality surveillance systems that are 1) comprehensive, encompassing all VPD threats faced by a country, in all geographic areas and populations, using all laboratory and other methodologies required for timely and reliable disease detection; 2) integrated, wherever possible, taking advantage of shared infrastructure for specific components of surveillance such as data management and laboratory systems; 3) inclusive of all relevant data needed to guide immunization program management actions. Such surveillance systems should generate data useful to strengthen national immunization programs, inform vaccine introduction decision-making, and reinforce timely and effective detection and response. All stakeholders in countries and globally should work to achieve this vision.

Building Data Triangulation Capacity for Routine Immunization and Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance Programs to Identify Immunization Coverage Inequities.

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) Surveillance (VPDS) programs generate multiple data sources (e.g., routine administrative data, VPD case data, and coverage surveys). However, there are challenges with the use of these siloed data for programmatic decision-making, including poor data accessibility and lack of timely analysis, contributing to missed vaccinations, immunity gaps, and, consequently, VPD outbreaks in populations with limited access to immunization and basic healthcare services. Data triangulation, or the integration of multiple data sources, can be used to improve the availability of key indicators for identifying immunization coverage gaps, under-immunized (UI) and un-immunized (zero-dose (ZD)) children, and for assessing program performance at all levels of the healthcare system. Here, we describe the data triangulation processes, prioritization of indicators, and capacity building efforts in Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Rwanda. We also describe the analyses used to generate meaningful data, key indicators used to identify immunization coverage inequities and performance gaps, and key lessons learned. Triangulation processes and lessons learned may be leveraged by other countries, potentially leading to programmatic changes that promote improved access and utilization of vaccination services through the identification of UI and ZD children.

Homophobia is associated with sexual behavior that increases risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection among black men who have sex with men.

We investigated whether the experience of homophobic events increases the odds of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among black men who have sex with men (MSM) and whether social integration level buffered the association. Participants (N = 1,154) reported homophobic events experienced in the past 12 months. Social integration measures included social support, closeness with family members and friends, attachment to the black gay community, openness about sexuality within religious communities, and MSM social network size. Logistic regression analyses indicated that experiencing homophobia was associated with (1) UAI among men not previously diagnosed with HIV and (2) sexual HIV transmission risk behavior among men who knew they were HIV-infected. None of the social integration measures buffered these associations. Homophobia may promote acquisition and transmission of HIV infection among black MSM. Interventions are needed to reduce homophobia experienced by black MSM.

Reciprocal sex partner concurrency and STDs among heterosexuals at high-risk of HIV infection.

Inconsistent findings on the relationship of sex partner concurrency to infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may result from differences in how sex partner concurrency is conceptualized. We examine the relationship of reciprocal sex partner concurrency (RSPC) to diagnosed STDs among heterosexuals. Heterosexually active adults (N = 717) were recruited for a cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) from high-HIV-risk areas in New York City (NYC, 2006-2007) and interviewed about their sexual risk behaviors, number of sex partners, last sex partners, and STD diagnoses (prior 12 months). RSPC was when both the participant and her/his last sex partner had sex with other people during their sexual relationship. Odds ratios (OR), adjusted odds ratios (aOR), and 95 % confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated by logistic regression. The sample was 52.4 % female, 74.3 % Black; median age was 40 years. RSPC was reported by 40.7 % and any STD diagnoses by 23.4 %. Any STDs was reported by 31.5 % of those reporting RSPC vs. 17.9 % of those who did not (OR = 2.11, 95%CI = 1.49-3.0). Any STDs was independently associated with RSPC (aOR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.02-2.32), female gender (aOR = 2.15, 95%CI = 1.43-3.23), having more than three sex partners (aOR = 1.72, 95%CI = 1.13-2.63), and unprotected anal sex (aOR = 1.65, 95%CI = 1.12-2.42). Heterosexuals in high-HIV-risk neighborhoods in sexual partnerships that involve RSPC are at greater risk of STDs and, potentially, HIV. RSPC, in addition to sexual risk behaviors and the number of sex partners, may facilitate the heterosexual spread of HIV through STD cofactors and linkage into larger STD/HIV sexual transmission networks.

Estimating HIV incidence and the correlates of recent infection in venue-sampled men who have sex with men in New York City.

In a cross-sectional study, MSM aged ≥18 years were venue-sampled in New York City in 2008, interviewed, and tested for HIV using oral fluids. Participants who reported testing HIV negative at their last test in the previous 24 months were analyzed (n = 287 of 550 sampled). Those testing positive at the interview were defined as recently infected. HIV incidence was estimated using person-time at-risk methods and correlates of recent infection using proportional hazards regression. Thirty-two (11.1%) were recently infected. HIV incidence was 5.67/100 person-years at-risk. Independent correlates included: study recruitment in parks vs. bars, and in other venues vs. bars; black vs. non-black race/ethnicity; and reporting a last sex partner with a positive or unknown vs. negative HIV status. When assay-based methods are not feasible, cross-sectional HIV test results and self-reported HIV testing history and risk factor data can be used to estimate HIV incidence and the correlates of recent infection.

Comprehensive Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance in the Western Pacific Region: A Literature Review on Integration of Surveillance Functions, 2000-2021.

INTRODUCTION: A strategic framework for 2021-2030 developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific emphasizes the need for high-quality and integrated vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance. We conducted a literature review to document the barriers, enabling factors, and innovations for integrating surveillance functions for VPDs and other communicable diseases in Western Pacific Region (WPR) countries. METHODS: We searched published and gray literature on integrated VPD surveillance from 2000 to 2021. Articles in English, Spanish, or French were screened to identify those relating to VPD surveillance in a WPR country and not meeting defined exclusion criteria. We categorized articles using the 8 WHO surveillance support functions and abstracted data on the country; type of surveillance; and reported barriers, enabling factors, and best practices for integration. RESULTS: Of the 3,137 references screened, 87 met the eligibility criteria. Of the 8 surveillance support functions, the proportion of references that reported integration related to the laboratory was 56%, followed by workforce capacity (54%), governance (51%), data management and use (47%), field logistics and communication (47%), coordination (15%), program management (13%), and supervision (9%). Several references noted fragmented systems and a lack of coordination between units as barriers to integration, highlighting the importance of engagement across public health units and between the public and private sectors. The literature also indicated a need for interoperable information systems and revealed the use of promising new technologies for data reporting and laboratory testing. In some WPR countries, workforce capacity was strengthened at all administrative levels by the implementation of integrated trainings on data monitoring and use and on laboratory techniques applicable to multiple VPDs. CONCLUSION: This literature review supports integrating VPDs into broader communicable disease surveillance systems in WPR countries while ensuring that the minimal WHO-recommended standards for VPD surveillance are met.

Unprotected anal intercourse and sexually transmitted diseases in high-risk heterosexual women.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the association between unprotected anal intercourse and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among heterosexual women. METHODS: In 2006 through 2007, women were recruited from high-risk areas in New York City through respondent-driven sampling as part of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance study. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the relationship between unprotected anal intercourse and HIV infection and past-year STD diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 436 women studied, 38% had unprotected anal intercourse in the past year. Unprotected anal intercourse was more likely among those who were aged 30 to 39 years, were homeless, were frequent drug or binge alcohol users, had an incarcerated sexual partner, had sexual partners with whom they exchanged sex for money or drugs, or had more than 5 sexual partners in the past year. In the logistic regression, women who had unprotected anal intercourse were 2.6 times as likely as women who had only unprotected vaginal intercourse and 4.2 times as likely as women who had neither unprotected anal nor unprotected vaginal intercourse to report an STD diagnosis. We found no significant association between unprotected anal intercourse and HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Increased screening for history of unprotected anal intercourse and, for those who report recent unprotected anal intercourse, counseling and testing for HIV and STDs would likely reduce STD infections.

Patterns of exchange sex and HIV infection in high-risk heterosexual men and women.

Heterosexual partnerships involving the trade of money or goods for sex are a well-described HIV risk factor in Africa and Southeast Asia, but less research has been conducted on exchange partnerships and their impact on HIV infection in the United States. In our study, men and women were recruited from high-risk risk neighborhoods in New York City through respondent-driven sampling in 2006-2007. We examined the factors associated with having an exchange partner in the past year, the relationship between exchange partnerships and HIV infection, and the risk characteristics of those with exchange partners by the directionality of payment. Overall, 28% of men and 41% of women had a past-year exchange partner. For men, factors independently associated with exchange partnerships were older age, more total sexual partners, male partners, and frequent non-injection drug use. For women, factors were homelessness, more total sexual partners, more unprotected sex partners, and frequent non-injection drug use. Exchange partnerships were associated with HIV infection for both men and women, although the relationships were substantially confounded by other behavioral risks. Those who both bought and sold sex exhibited the highest levels of risk with their exchange and non-exchange partners. Exchange partnerships may be an HIV risk both directly and indirectly, given the overlap of this phenomenon with other risk factors that occur with both exchange and non-exchange partners.

Recruitment-adjusted estimates of HIV prevalence and risk among men who have sex with men: effects of weighting venue-based sampling data.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the impact of recruitment bias within the venue-based sampling (VBS) method, which is widely used to estimate disease prevalence and risk factors among groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), that congregate at social venues. METHODS: In a 2008 VBS study of 479 MSM in New York City, we calculated venue-specific approach rates (MSM approached/MSM counted) and response rates (MSM interviewed/MSM approached), and then compared crude estimates of HIV risk factors and seroprevalence with estimates weighted to address the lower selection probabilities of MSM who attend social venues infrequently or were recruited at high-volume venues. RESULTS: Our approach rates were lowest at dance clubs, gay pride events, and public sex strolls, where venue volumes were highest; response rates ranged from 39% at gay pride events to 95% at community-based organizations. Sixty-seven percent of respondents attended MSM-oriented social venues at least weekly, and 21% attended such events once a month or less often in the past year. In estimates adjusted for these variations, the prevalence of several past-year risk factors (e.g., unprotected anal intercourse with casual/exchange partners, ≥5 total partners, group sex encounters, at least weekly binge drinking, and hard-drug use) was significantly lower compared with crude estimates. Adjusted HIV prevalence was lower than unadjusted prevalence (15% vs. 18%), but not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Not adjusting VBS data for recruitment biases could overestimate HIV risk and prevalence when the selection probability is greater for higher-risk MSM. While further examination of recruitment-adjustment methods for VBS data is needed, presentation of both unadjusted and adjusted estimates is currently indicated.

Continuing HIV risk in New York City injection drug users: the association of syringe source and syringe sharing.

Sterile syringe access is an important means to reduce HIV risk, but many injection drug users (IDU) who obtain syringes from sterile sources continue to share syringes. We examined the factors associated with continuing syringe sharing in New York City. We recruited 500 active IDU in 2005 through respondent-driven sampling. In multiple logistic regression, not obtaining all syringes in the past year exclusively from sterile sources was associated with increased syringe sharing. Ensuring adequate syringe availability as well as engaging and retaining nonusers and inconsistent users in sterile syringe services may increase sterile syringe access and decrease syringe sharing.

Prevalence and protective value of serosorting and strategic positioning among Black and Latino men who have sex with men.

Self-reported HIV-negative black and Latino MSM who engaged in serosorting or strategic positioning were less likely to have unrecognized HIV infection than men who engaged in unprotected anal intercourse without using these risk-reduction strategies.

Reconsidering the internet as an HIV/STD risk for men who have sex with men.

Previous studies linking online sexual partnerships to behavioral risks among men who have sex with men (MSM) may be subject to confounding and imprecise measurement of partnership-specific risks. We examined behavioral risks associated with having only online, only offline, or both online and offline partners in the past year, the confounding effects of multiple partnerships, and partnership-specific risks among a sample of MSM from New York City recruited offline in 2008. Overall, 28% of 479 participants had an online partner in the past year, but most of those (82%) also had an offline partner. Having an online partner was associated with past-year unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) and other risks, but not after controlling for multiple partnerships. There were slightly higher levels of risk within offline partnerships, but differences were largely attributable to MSM who had both offline and online partners. Last sex partners met offline were more likely to be HIV-serodiscordant and engage in concurrent substance use with the participant. This suggests that online partnerships may not be an independent cause of behavioral risks, but a marker for risks occurring independent of Internet use.

Missed opportunities for HIV testing among high-risk heterosexuals.

BACKGROUND: HIV testing is an important HIV prevention strategy, yet heterosexuals at high risk do not test as frequently as other groups. We examined the association of past year HIV testing and encounters with institutional settings where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual testing for high-risk heterosexuals. METHODS: We recruited high-risk heterosexuals in New York City in 2006 to 2007 through respondent-driven sampling. Respondents were asked the date of their most recent HIV test and any potential encounters with 4 testing settings (homeless shelters, jails/prisons, drug treatment programs, and health care providers). Analyses were stratified by gender. RESULTS: Of the 846 respondents, only 31% of men and 35% of women had a past year HIV test, but over 90% encountered at least one testing setting. HIV seroprevalence was 8%. In multiple logistic regression, recent HIV testing was significantly associated with recent encounters with homeless shelters and jails/prisons for men, and encounters with health care providers for both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: HIV testing was low overall but higher for those with exposures to potential routine testing settings. Further expansion of testing in these settings would likely increase testing rates and may decrease new HIV infections among high-risk heterosexuals.