Abstract

Cholera is a major health problem facing most developing countries. Globally, 132, 121 cholera cases were reported in 2016. About 54% of these cases were recorded in Africa. Between June 2014 and January 2015, a total of 28,922 cholera cases including 243 deaths were reported in Ghana. WHO estimates that the true incidence of Cholera far exceeds the reported cases. We evaluated the cholera surveillance system to determine whether the system was meeting its objectives, and to assess its attributes. We evaluated the cholera surveillance system in the Ga East municipality. We interviewed staff of the GEMA on the operation of the system. We used semi structured questionnaire to assess the attributes of the system. We reviewed data from the weekly and monthly IDSR and also from the district Health information management system from 2012-2016. We also reviewed annual reports and scientific papers. We applied the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems. Summarized descriptive analysis of qualitative data was done and presented in graphs and charts.