ASSESSMENT OF UNIVERSITIES FIELD RESEARCH SITES FOR ESTABLISHING NATIONAL SURVEILLANCE DATABASE

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reliable, frequently updated, community-based, longitudinal data is the foundation for rational policy and evidence based decision making. Such information is lacking in the country. Recognizing the costs and complexities of universal vital registration and the gaps of national census for health indicators, and understanding the limitations of household surveys, a credible option is needed. For this, a survey was carried out to assess the potential of universities' field research sites, for establishing national sample surveillance and study sites.

METHODS: A field survey was carried out from June to August 2007 among universities field research sites to address the above dire need of the nation. Data ware collected through stakeholders interview and document review. Descriptive analysis is made to give detail account of the field sites.

RESULTS: The sites are generating population based data to a considerable level on environmental, socio­economic, behavioral, health systems and health status. They are also engaged on different health and health related studies. The location of the sites in the different parts of the country could have both geographical and population representation to a considerable degree.

CONCLUSION: The findings indicate the potential to form a national network of universities field research sites by involving the different stakeholders, and by addressing the indicated gaps. This will contribute for rational health and policy, and to monitor social progress and millennium development goals.