Outcome of training on yellow fever surveillance in a South-Western state, Nigeria: implications for improved field implementation.

BACKGROUND

Nigeria is in the process of strengthening yellow fever case-based surveillance with the collection of serum samples among suspected case patients.

OBJECTIVE

A training conducted for surveillance officers in the local government areas (LGAs) of Osun State on yellow fever case-based surveillance was assessed to determine its immediate impact on the knowledge of participants.

METHODS

The training focused mainly on how to detect and report a suspected case of yellow fever to the national authorities and the reference laboratory. Training materials included the World Health Organization district guidelines for yellow fever surveillance. A pre and post test was used to evaluate the immediate impact of the training on knowledge among participants.

RESULTS

A total of 31 officers participated. The mean scores for pre and post tests were 7.1 (SD 3.6) and 20.7 (SD 3.4) out of a total of 30 points respectively. More than 80% of participants rated the training as excellent in overall organization.

CONCLUSION

All participants indicated that they were very confident to fully implement yellow fever surveillance in their LGAs.