Abstract
M.Tech. (Environmental Health)
Communicable diseases are a long-standing global concern. This study described Environmental Health practices relating to communicable disease surveillance in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM). This research is 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 the surveillance of communicable diseases. The extent to which EHPs investigate the existence of communicable disease and the actual practices these EHPs follow, is a fundamental question in public health. Therefore, the specific objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, evaluate the practices, determine the EHPs’ perceptions and finally, recommend standard operating procedures (SOPs) for communicable disease surveillance (CDS).
This study is descriptive in nature and encompasses quantitative methods. The total population includes 95 EHPs, consisting of senior EHPs and Environmental Health Managers. Data was collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire which was hand delivered to the interested participants.
Based on the results, there are no standard operating procedures regarding the surveillance of communicable diseases, which could possibly lead to inconsistent practices within the EMM. The level of knowledge contributed to EHPs perception of communicable disease surveillance and their performance of this function. Based on the results, there is a likelihood that provisions of the regulations are not optimally adhered to.
These results may facilitate the establishment of a comprehensive approach in addressing CDS. This approach should guide policy formulation by the national government and aid in CDS through training and establishment of SOPs.