September 2011

Establishing a surveillance-response system in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands National Malaria Control Program, along with malaria researchers, conducted an assessment on the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a new approach to surveillance and response in Isabel Province. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted to assess the travel patterns of people within Isabel Province and to determine the attitudes towards a community-based surveillance program to manage suspected malaria. A robust surveillance and response system is essential in any elimination effort, and in logistically-difficult settings such as the Solomon Islands, innovative surveillance systems may prove very cost-effective.