Communicable disease Surveillance in the City of Ekurhuleni: Environmental Health Practitioners’ perceptions

Abstract

Communicable diseases are a long-standing global concern. This research was driven by the need for Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) to comply with the regulations defining the scope of practice for Environmental Health. Section 5 outlines the role of EHPs in communicable disease surveillance (CDS). Therefore, the EHPs’ perception of this function could influence the quality of service in the City of Ekurhuleni Municipality (CoE). The objective of this study was to determine the EHPs’ perceptions with regards to communicable disease surveillance (CDS). A descriptive study that encompassed qualitative methods with a total population of 95 EHPs, consisting of senior EHPs and Environmental Health Managers respectively was employed. The study participants reported a wide range of opinions regarding the improvement of CDS, including training, reporting systems, specialization and development of standard operating procedures. A significant number reported dissatisfaction with the way CDS is performed in the CoE. This study has demonstrated that provisions of the regulations are not optimally adhered to. Therefore, these results may facilitate the creation of a comprehensive approach in addressing CDS by EHPs. This approach should guide policy formulation by the national government and aid in CDS.