Evaluating the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System in Sidama Region, Ethiopia: A Systems Evaluation

Background: Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) systems play a vital role in early detection and response to public health threats. In Ethiopia, limited evaluations exist on the effectiveness of IDSR at subnational levels. This study assessed the implementation of the IDSR system in Sidama Region to identify performance gaps and inform improvements.

Methods: A cross-sectional evaluation was conducted between September and November 2023 in Sidama Region, Ethiopia. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 140 participants from 13 districts, public and private health facilities, health posts, and community health workers. Data were collected using a structured checklist adapted from WHO and CDC guidelines. Descriptive statistics were generated using SPSS version 25.

Results: Substantial variation was observed in the use of standardized case definitions, with adherence rates of 96% in public facilities, 67% in private facilities, 50% in health posts, and 4.17% among HDA members. Training coverage was only 11% at health posts and 12% among HDA members. Complete reports were submitted by all private facilities (100%) but by only half of health posts (55%).

Conclusions: The IDSR system in Sidama Region demonstrates uneven implementation across healthcare tiers. Strengthening training programs, harmonizing tools and guidelines, and improving logistics and digital infrastructure are critical for enhancing the overall effectiveness of Ethiopia's disease surveillance system at the regional level.

Dataset contents: This dataset includes four SPSS (.sav) files containing district-level data (n=13 districts), public health facility data (n=27), private health facility data (n=15), and community-level data comprising health posts (n=36) and Health Development Army members (n=48). A complete data dictionary (Data_Dictionary.pdf), ReadMe file (ReadMe.txt), and the data collection questionnaire (S1_Questionnaire.pdf) are also provided.