Operational feasibility of establishing community reporting systems

In developing countries the absence ofa credible disease surveillance system results in an inappropriate response to an outbreak. Since a functioning and responsive disease surveillance system cannot be provided immediately, some interim surveillance system for early detection of outbreaks is needed to institute a prompt response. This operational research study was conducted to assess the feasibility of establishing community reporting systems involving women self-help groups and members of Panchayati raj institutions through syndromic surveillance at the community level. Reporting was initiated from 8 villages in 4 gram panchayats of Begunia block of Khurda district in Orissa during May and June 2005. Members of women self-help groups and Panchayati raj institutions were trained on structured reporting guidelines. In congruence with the state disease surveillance system, weekly reporting was started for comparison where feasible. Completeness of reporting was better achieved by women self-help groups (91.6%) than members of Panchayati raj institutions (66.6%). Data capture was more complete as compared with the existing disease surveillance system. Illnesses among women were better captured and greater ownership of the public health service was noted. Establishing community reporting systems using women self-help groups and members of Panchayat raj institutions for disease surveillance in India is a feasible option.