Activities of health collaborators and challenges in Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) surveillance in Dong Da district, Ha Noi, 2012-2013

Abstract

This study aimed to assess activities of health collaborators of anti-DHF network at 9 key wards, and to understand challenges in DHF surveillance at Dong Da, Ha Noi. The study used a cross-sectional design with a combination of quantitative (198 being randomly selected from a total of 360 health collaborators) and qualitative methods (8 in-depth interviews with staffs at District Health Center and Commune Health Stations, and health collaborators). The study showed that most health collaborators completed their tasks, especially household visits and community mobilization in ensuring environmental hygiene to prevent DHF. Challenges in DHF surveillance included unspecific guidelines in DHF control, lack of interest of local authorities, non-intermittent DHF prevention campaigns, lack of good coordination between local health centers and other departments, limited funding, and lack of awareness in health prevention and collaboration with local health staffs of people.