“Data is key to health management”...says visiting Epidemiologist
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
~~Adz:Left~~ CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - A Trinidad-based Epidemiologist, Dr. Franka des Vignes, attached to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC), yesterday trained Nevis data collectors on the importance of using data to manage health needs.
Dr. des Vignes was speaking to data collectors at a one-day workshop organised by the Nevis Health Promotion Unit under the theme “Data for Action”. The workshop was officially opened by Health Minister Hensley Daniel while Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Mrs. Joslyn Liburd gave the opening remarks.
In her explanation of requirements for health management, Dr. Des Vignes said, “Surveillance is done so that action can be taken,” adding that one major requirement by funding agencies was evidence-based situation analysis that could only be possible through data collection.
Dr. des Vignes said the data collected needed to be evaluated constantly and disseminated through well established communication systems. She also said St. Kitts and Nevis is signatories to the International Health Regulations (2005) or “IHR (2005)” since June 15, 2007.
The IHR (2005) provides a framework for the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) epidemic alert and rapid response activities already being implemented in collaboration with countries to control international outbreaks and to strengthen international public health security.
The IHR (2005) introduced new operational concepts including specific procedures for disease surveillance, notification and reporting of public health events and risks to the WHO by countries.
She said in an interview that various countries in the region have completed evaluation of their surveillance and they include Trinidad, Barbados, Dominica and Grenada. Countries interested in having their surveillance evaluated by CAREC have to make a request. St. Kitts and Nevis’s surveillance has not yet been evaluated.
In her presentation, Dr. Judy Nisbett said data collection was ongoing but needed to be stepped up. She listed the following as the weaknesses in data collection: under reporting, inaccurate reports, lack of feedback and lack of clear data flow structure.
Dr. Nisbett also said there was lack of human resources as well as financial resources to ensure proper data collection. She also declared that there was no data being collected from private businesses due to poor link.
The workshop participants were drawn from the Department of Social Development, Community Health Nursing, Alexandra Hospital, Registrar General Office, Nevis Police Department, HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit, Department of Statistics, Health Promotion Unit and the Disaster Management Office.
The worskshop’s Chairperson Shirley Wilkes said participants were drawn from various ministries and agencies because they all collect data that deal with health issues of the population.
She said the workshop sensitised participants on the importance of data collection and, “It is hoped that at the end, we would be more equipped with the skills necessary to help us collect the kind of data we need to help us improve the health and well being of our people.”
A similar workshop, facilitated by Dr. Franka des Vignes, was conducted last night for doctors at the Alexandra Hospital’s conference room.
