7.2.1 Number of cases and case fatality rate
The number of cases (uncomplicated and complicated) treated and the number of deaths in health facilities are reported each week via the epidemiological surveillance system.
The case fatality rate is calculated and monitored for each facility, making it possible to quickly identify places that need increased supply and/or supervision.
7.2.2 Treatment supply
The objective is to make sure that the number of treatments distributed is greater than the number of reported cases in all health care facilities throughout the outbreak.
Weekly monitoring (Appendix 11) of treatment availability is done by the team responsible for epidemiological surveillance. This “snapshot” is used to plan supply.
Data collection and monitoring methods are set up before – or as soon as – supply begins:
- Epidemiological data (number of cases and deaths per week) are obtained from epidemiological surveillance files.
- The number of treatments distributed is obtained from the donation forms (Appendix 10). These pre-filled forms are completed each time supplies are distributed.
One copy stays in the treatment facility and the other is sent to the supply manager. - These data can be summarized using the treatment availability monitoring table.
Weekly data analysis is used to:
- assess the pertinence and effectiveness of the strategy (decentralisation and coverage of all functioning treatment facilities);
- plan the distribution priorities each week based on the number treatments available, the epidemic curve and the case fatality rate;
- monitor consumption and plan a new order, if needed.
When the outbreak is over, compiling the data facilitates writing the final report and evaluating the responsiveness and pertinence of patient care.