Surveillance of Acute Flaccid Paralysis: Epidemiological Aspects and Surveillance Indicators in Kankan Health Regional

Abstract Since September 2015, Guinea has experienced the vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 epidemic. Objectives: To describe the epidemiology and factors associated with AFP cases and analyse surveillance performance indicators. Methods: This is a descriptive historical study covering the period from January 1th to December 31th, 2016 among children under the age of 15 of Kankan regional health directorate, Guinea. The data collection is done based on the existing documents review. Results: 200 cases of AFP were notified during the study period. 59.5% of the children are male with an average of 3.5 years. 60.5% of patients had received 3 or more doses compared to 15.5% who had never received polio vaccine. Malaria was the most probable cause about 39% of AFP cases. The clinical picture is classic, fever is associated with 65.5% of cases and it evolved in 3 days in 75% of cases. The hospitalization rate is 53%. 72% of the samples came out negative. Three indicators did not achieve the expected objectives. Conclusion: The performance of the surveillance system needs to be improved for better sensitivity by both government staff and supporting partners, in order to avoid a new epidemic.