Pattern and distribution of communicable diseases in border districts of Bukoba and Tanga, Tanzania

Abstract

A study was undertaken in border districts of Bukoba and Tanga, Tanzania to determine the distribution and pattern of communicable diseases. The objective of this study was to develop health databases for the establishment of a disease surveillance system for 13 priority communicable diseases in Tanzania. Retrospective epidemiological data were collected from each health facility in the districts. Malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia were the most important public health problems. Outbreaks of measles and meningitis were common in the two districts while cholera was prevalent in Tanga. Of recent, typhoid fever has become an important public health problem in the two districts. The risks associated with major epidemics and their control, are discussed in relation to integrated disease surveillance approach. Efficient and effective evidence-based disease surveillance is considered to be crucial for continuous disease monitoring and planning for their interventions.