[Evaluation on the establishment and operation on neonatal tetanus surveillance program in Hainan Province].

OBJECTIVE

In order to learn the actual morbidity and influencing factors of neonatal tetanus(NNT) and to provide scientific basis for NNT elimination.

METHODS

A surveillance program was set up in 1997 in Hainan Province and to operate at the same time.

RESULTS

216 NNT cases were investigated in 1997. The number was higher than reported 78 cases. The result from surveillance showed that parturition at home and the old delivering method were the main influencing factors 88.89% of mothers of NNT cases had no TT immunization history. The surveillance data of Sanya City and Qiongzhong County indicated the NNT morbidity in 1997 had declined 61.29%, 82.05% than that in 1996 respectively due to the improvement of TT immunization rate.

CONCLUSION

The study result proved that the most economical and effective measure to eliminate NNT is to increase TT immunization rate of women at child-bearing-age. It was practical integrate the NNT surveillance program into AFP surveillance system and operate along with it.