Original Article/Research
The lessons of COVID-19 pandemic for communicable diseases surveillance system in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlpt.2022.100717Get rights and content

Highlights

  • COVID-19 was interpreted not to be integrated into the communicable disease surveillance system (CDSS) in the Kurdistan region of Iraq due to political influence.

  • The main concerns regarding the core and support activities of CDSS were the lack of epidemic preparedness, timeliness, and partial cessation of training and supervision during the pandemic.

  • The main challenges include staff deficiency, absence of motivation and financial support, scarce logistics, managerial and administrative issues, and lack of cooperation, particularly among stakeholders and surveillance staff.

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the opportunities of and barriers to communicable diseases surveillance system (CDSS) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the extent to which the disease integrated into the CDSS in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

Study design

A descriptive qualitative approach was applied.

Methods

We conducted seven semi-structured interviews and seven interviewee in a focus group discussion (FGD) with purposefully identified Key Informants (KI) from June to December 2020. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. We adopted a mixed deductive-inductive approach for thematic data analysis, facilitated by using MAXQDA20 software for data management.

Results

Although the CDSS was considered appropriate and flexible, the COVID-19 was interpreted not to be integrated into the system due to political influence. The main concerns regarding core and support activities were the lack of epidemic preparedness, timeliness, and partial cessation of training and supervision during the pandemic. The existence of reasonable surveillance infrastructure, i.e., trained staff, was identified as an opportunity for improvement. The main challenges include staff deficiency, absence of motivation and financial support for present staff, scarce logistics, managerial and administrative issues, and lack of cooperation, particularly among stakeholders and surveillance staff.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that the CDSS in the Kurdistan region requires substantial enhancement in epidemic preparedness, strengthening human resources, and logistics. the system can be developed by fostering meaningful intersectoral collaboration. We advocate that the health authorities and policy-makers prioritise the surveillance and effective management of communicable diseases.

Keywords

COVID-19 pandemic
Communicable diseases
Surveillance system
Iraq

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