Attributes of the measles surveillance system in the Sikasso region, Mali, 2021-2023

Abstract

Introduction: the Sikasso region reported 1314 cases of
measles from 2021 to 2023 with a recurrence of outbreaks
in some districts. Measles elimination is subject to proper
assessment of its epidemiological surveillance attributes.
We evaluated the attributes to support the health system
in order to improve the indicators of measles
epidemiological surveillance. Methods: We conducted a
cross-sectional study in 10 health districts covering data
from 2021 to 2023. We used the CDC approach to assess
attributes (simplicity, acceptability, representativeness,
and usefulness) through interview, observation, and
document review. Results: A total of 257 healthcare
professionals participated in the study in 139 health areas

across the 10 health districts of the region. The system
was rated as simple with an average score of 80.5%. The
acceptability of the measles surveillance system was good
according to health professionals in the Sikasso region
with an average score of 94.09%. The system was rated
good at 85.53% despite a low average (43.33%) of
districts having conducted an investigation from 2021 to
2023. Conclusion: The surveillance system set up in the
Sikasso region is useful and could support Mali in initiating
the programmatic elimination of measles.