AFP Case Detection Along International Border Communities in Oyo State: Challenges, Opportunities and Threats

Abstract

A weak AFP surveillance system constitutes a major threat to Nigeria’s polio free certification status. This study investigates the factors that have affected AFP surveillance, case detection along the international border settlements of Oyo state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 26th-31th December 2018 using structured questionnaires uploaded onto Open Data Kit-collect (ODK) mobile software in 4 LGAs in Oyo state. Overall, 427 respondents (community members=420, community informants=7) participated in this study. On the average, 10% and 46% of the community members and informants could identify the various aspects of the AFP case definition. Majority of the community members weren’t aware of AFP surveillance neither were they aware of their AFP focal person/DSNO or where to report AFP cases. Barriers to case reporting include, irregular movements of commercial vehicles, swampy roads during rainy seasons, rocky roads during dry seasons; poor communication networks; and poor modes of transportation. The accessibility and difficulty of terrain along these international boarders has greatly hindered surveillance activities in their corresponding communities. If steps are taken to improve accessibility in such areas, we believe that AFP case detection and reporting would also improve.