JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

As part of polio-eradication strategy, WHO has established a global AFP surveillance. In Jordan, AFP surveillance has succeeded to achieve the polio-free certification. However there is a substantial risk of polio-importation from neighboring countries including Syria and Iraq.

Objective:

Therefore this study aimed to evaluate the AFP surveillance in Jordan and identify areas that need improvement.

Methods:

This retrospective study was based on secondary analysis of data routinely collected between 2012 and 2016 by Jordan’s EPI. The WHO minimum performance indicators were used to evaluate the AFP surveillance.

Results:

Cumulatively, 328 AFP cases had been reported. Almost half (51.3%) of cases aged between one and five years and 55.8% were males. All cases had been discarded. The most common cause of AFP was Guillain-Barre Syndrome (35.1%). Annualized non-polio AFP rate increased from 1.4/100,000 population under 15 years in 2012 to 4.3 in 2016. National and sub-national sensitivity was not met in 2012 and 2013. Adequacy of stool specimens and timeliness of specimens arriving and processing in the laboratory were constantly above the minimum target. Timeliness of investigation met the expected target but with a decreasing trend. The NPEV isolation rate was below the target except in 2016

Conclusions:

AFP surveillance system in Jordan is performing well, however additional efforts are needed to strengthen the sub-national sensitivity. The cold chain from sample collection to laboratory has to be maintained to ensure the reliability of stool specimens required for the isolation of NPEVs.