Evaluation of the Early Warning, Alert and Response System (EWARS) at the Public Health Centers in Working Area of Paniai Regency Health Department, Papua Province

Abstract

Background: The Early Warning, Alert and Response System (EWARS) is a system used to respond quickly by providing early warning in the form of a signal for increased disease characteristics. Public Health Centers are obliged to collect complete and timely EWARS data on a weekly basis to facilitate early detection of disease incidents, but the facts in the EWARS reporting field do not follow indicators.

Research Objectives: Evaluating the implementing of the Early Warning, Alert and Response System (EWARS) at the Public Health Centers in the working area of the Paniai Regency Health Office. Research method: Qualitative research using a case study approach was the research method used in this study. This study was conducted from June 25 to July 18, 2020 at five Public Health Centers in the work area of the Paniai Regency Health Department. A total of 11 (eleven) informants were taken using a purposive sampling method. In-depth interviews and participatory observation are the main methods of data collection. The data were qualitatively analyzed.

Results: Input component: lack of human resources, both in terms of quality and quantity, existence of multiple tasks, accumulation of manpower in urban areas, lack of facilities and infrastructure to support the implementation of EWARS. Process component: there was no EWARS data processing, no feedback and monitoring and evaluation by the EWARS Health Office Manager. In the Output Component: the delivery of the report by officers is not timely and incomplete.