National Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2015-2020

NCDs are the main cause of mortality and morbidity in Suriname, as is the case in most of the countries in the world. At the UN High Level Meeting in September 2011, Suriname endorsed the UN resolution on NCDs, immediately after which the government assigned a special budget to the MOH to support prevention and control activities in the area of NCDs. This illustrates that the government takes up its own responsibility in the fight against the epidemic of NCDs. One of the first priorities has been the development of this National Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs which provides a framework for a coordinated and integrated approach during the coming years in the fight against NCDs in our country. The elements of the NCD plan focus on public awareness of the NCD burden, healthy lifestyle promotion, health systems strengthening, strengthening of the legal framework, strengthening of surveillance and operational research and the strengthening of monitoring and evaluation systems. For the coming years the priority NCDs namely cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease which account for 60% of mortality nationwide will be targeted. Another priority health area which also will be included is mental health and substance abuse. The fight against NCDs cannot be successful without a strong intersectoral collaboration which is crucial for healthy lifestyle promotion and risk factor reduction. This plan calls for a collective effort through the establishment of structured intersectoral cooperation with other ministries, private sector and civil society. Periodic evaluations are an essential part of the fight of all diseases and specifically of NCDs which require more complex interventions than the communicable diseases. This NCD plan is a dynamic document which will be periodically revised in order to enable us to keep on track towards the goals set. As health sector and as a nation we have to join hands, be accountable and share responsibility to be able to really tackle the burden of NCDs. We owe it to the next generation.

Quality of death counts and adult mortality registration in Suriname and its main regions / Qualidade dos registros de óbitos e estimativas de mortalidade adulta no Suriname e regiões / Calidad de los recuentos de registros de muerte y mortadlidad adulta en Surinam y sus principales regiones

Suriname statistical office assumes that mortality data in the country is of good quality and does not perform any test before producing life table estimates. However, lack of data quality is a concern in the less developed areas of the world. The primary objective of this article is to evaluate the quality of death counts registration in the country and its main regions from 2004 to 2012 and to produce estimates of adult mortality by sex. We use data from population, by age and sex, from the last censuses and death counts from the Statistical office. We use traditional demographic methods to perform the analysis. We find that the quality of the death count registration in Suriname and its central regions is reasonably good. We also find that population data can be considered good. The results reveal a small difference in the completeness for males and females and that for the sub-national population the choice of method has implication on the results. To sum up, data quality in Suriname is better than in most countries in the region, but there are considerable regional differences as observed in other locations.

O Instituto de Estatística do Suriname assume que os dados de mortalidade no país são de boa qualidade e não realiza nenhum teste antes de produzir estimativas da tabela de vida. No entanto, a falta de qualidade dos dados é uma preocupação nas áreas menos desenvolvidas do mundo. O objetivo principal deste artigo é avaliar a qualidade do registro de óbitos no país e suas principais regiões, entre 2004 e 2012, e produzir estimativas de mortalidade adulta por sexo. Utilizamos dados populacionais, por idade e sexo, dos últimos censos e contagem de mortes do Centro Nacional de Estatística. Para realizar a análise, foram empregados métodos demográficos tradicionais. Concluímos que a qualidade do registro de óbitos no Suriname e em suas regiões centrais é razoável. Também mostramos que os dados de registro da população podem ser considerados bons. Os resultados revelam uma pequena diferença no grau de cobertura do registro de óbitos para homens e mulheres e que, para as regiões, a escolha do método tem implicações nos resultados. Em suma, a qualidade dos dados no Suriname é melhor do que na maioria dos países da região, mas há diferenças regionais consideráveis, como observado em outros lugares.

La oficina de estadísticas de Surinam supone que los datos de mortalidad en el país son de buena calidad y no hace ninguna prueba antes de producir estimaciones de la tabla de vida. Sin embargo, la falta de calidad de datos es una preocupación en las zonas menos desarrolladas del mundo. El objetivo principal de este artículo es evaluar la calidad del registro de recuentos de defunciones en el país y sus principales regiones entre 2004 y 2012 y producir estimaciones de mortalidad de adultos por sexo. Utilizamos datos de la población, por edad y sexo, de los últimos censos y recuentos de muertes de la oficina de Estadística. Utilizamos métodos demográficos tradicionales para realizar el análisis. Encontramos que la calidad del registro del recuento de defunciones en Surinam y sus regiones centrales es de razonable a buena. Asimismo, hallamos que los datos de población pueden considerarse también buenos. Los resultados revelan una pequeña diferencia en la integridad para hombres y mujeres y que para la población subnacional la elección del método tiene implicaciones en los resultados. En resumen, la calidad de los datos en Surinam es mejor que la de la mayoría de los países de la región, pero existen diferencias regionales considerables, como también se observa en otros lugares.

Zika cases: Epi Week 22, 2017

This table contains numerical data sourced from surveillance of cases related to Zika Virus disease and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Entries began in the year 2015, Month 8, Epidemiological Week 32 and ended in 2017, Month 5, Epidemiological Week 22. They were made under the following headings: Zika Disease Confirmed case; Zika disease Suspected case; Cases of GBS; Cases of GBS lab­ confirmed for ZIKV; Other Neurological Syndromes; Other Neurological Syndromes lab­ confirmed for ZIKV; Suspected Cases of Congenital Syndrome Associated with ZIKV; Probable Cases of Congenital Syndrome Associated with ZIKV; and Confirmed Cases of Congenital Syndrome Associated with ZIKV. A total for each of the categories listed was displayed.

Linking Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) data to tobacco control policy in Suriname / Vinculación de la Encuesta Mundial de Tabaquismo en Jóvenes (EMTJ) a la política de control del tabaco en Surinam

Abstract: Objective: To use evidence from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) to inform tobacco-control policy in Suriname. Materials and methods: The GYTS was conducted in 2000, 2004 and 2009 among secondary school students (13 to 15 years) in a two-stage cluster sample design. Results: 2744 students, age 13 to 15, participated. From 2000 to 2009, results showed an increased prevalence of “current use of cigarettes” and “other tobacco products” in females (31 and 98%). Additionally, students reported high exposure to second-hand smoking at home (56.6 to 46.6%) and in public places (67.8 to 53.3%). Less than half of all respondents were taught about the dangers of smoking in school. Conclusion: National smoking prevalence coincides with regional trends. The results of the GYTS provided the evidence-base towards developing comprehensive tobacco control legislation. Tobacco legislation was passed in 2013. Future GYTS will monitor legislation implementation and progress made in achieving WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) goals.

Resumen: Objetivo: Utilizar evidencia de la Encuesta Mundial de Tabaquismo en Jóvenes (EMTJ) para comunicar las políticas de control del tabaco en Surinam. Material y métodos: Las EMTJ se desarrollaron en los años 2000, 2004 y 2009 entre estudiantes de secundaria (de entre 13 y 15 años de edad) mediante diseño muestral en dos etapas. Resultados: Participaron en total 2744 estudiantes. De 2000 a 2009, los resultados mostraron una mayor prevalencia de “uso actual de cigarrillos” y “otros productos de tabaco” en mujeres (31 y 98%). Asimismo, se evidenció un alto grado de exposición pasiva al humo de tabaco en hogares (56.6 a 46.6%) y en lugares públicos (67.8 a 53.3%), además de la exposición a publicidad protabaco (periódicos/revistas: 76.3 a 54.0%; vallas publicitarias: 77.4 a 52.6%). Menos de la mitad de los estudiantes que participaron fueron instruidos sobre los peligros de fumar en las escuelas. Conclusión: La prevalencia nacional de tabaquismo coincide con la tendencia regional. Los resultados de la EMTJ proporcionan evidencia exhaustivas sobre la legislación del control de tabaquismo aprobada en 2013. Futuras EMTJ pueden promover y monitorear la implementación de la norma y su progreso en la consecución de los objetivos de OMS y el Convenio Marco para el Control de Tabaco.

Zika in Suriname: Emerging virus ­ Established vector

This Power Point presentation by the Suriname Director of Health, addresses the Zika outbreak in Suriname, the progression of the spread of the virus and the response of the Surinamese government with respect to containing the spread of the disease. The presentation outlines steps taken in preparation for an outbreak of Zika, after the virus' first appearance in Brazil in 2015. Strategies adopted at the entomological, epidemiological, surveillance and vector control levels in Suriname are outlined. The presentation also addresses prenatal consultation and monitoring, antenatal monitoring of Zika positive pregnancies, and updating of Aedes material to include Zika-V information for use in schools and other training. Finally, the presentation addresses the drafting of new risk communication strategies and Zika response strategies at the national level, the lessons learned, and the challenges associated with the Zika virus.

Evidence of an increased incidence of day 3 parasitaemia in Suriname: an indicator of the emerging resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to artemether

The emerging resistance to artemisinin derivatives that has been reported in South-East Asia led us to assess the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine as the first line therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infections in Suriname. This drug assessment was performed according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization in 2011. The decreasing number of malaria cases in Suriname, which are currently limited to migrating populations and gold miners, precludes any conclusions on artemether efficacy because adequate numbers of patients with 28-day follow-up data are difficult to obtain. Therefore, a comparison of day 3 parasitaemia in a 2011 study and in a 2005/2006 study was used to detect the emergence of resistance to artemether. The prevalence of day 3 parasitaemia was assessed in a study in 2011 and was compared to that in a study in 2005/2006. The same protocol was used in both studies and artemether-lumefantrine was the study drug. Of 48 evaluable patients in 2011, 15 (31%) still had parasitaemia on day 3 compared to one (2%) out of 45 evaluable patients in 2005/2006. Overall, 11 evaluable patients in the 2011 study who were followed up until day 28 had negative slides and similar findings were obtained in all 38 evaluable patients in the 2005/2006 study. The significantly increased incidence of parasite persistence on day 3 may be an indication of emerging resistance to artemether.

Community-directed risk assessment of mercury exposure from gold mining in Suriname

OBJECTIVES: The overarching objective of this project was to support the indigenous people in Kwakoegron, Suriname, in self-diagnosis of public and environmental health problems. The specific objectives, defined by the people of Kwakoegron were: (1) to determine for themselves if they are at risk of exposure to mercury (Hg) contamination, (2) to measure the extent of the Hg contamination problem, and (3) to initiate an intervention plan. METHODS: Field work was conducted from June 2005 to April 2006. Community members were trained to collect hair samples for analysis using methods designed to maximize sample quality and consistency and minimize cross-contamination. Each hair sample, of approximately 20 mg, was weighed, added to the sample boat, and analyzed immediately without preservation or storage. Technicians educated in analytical chemistry and trained in the operation of the portable Lumex Zeeman Hg analyzer measured the total Hg (THg) for each hair sample. Confidential meetings were held with each person sampled and any questions were answered. Afterwards, a community meeting was held to reflect on the process, outcome, and future needs. RESULTS: Hair samples from 16 of the 22 participants had Hg levels of 2.2-20.2 µg/g THg, exceeding normal THg levels for hair (2 µg/g THg). During the confidential, individual meetings and the followup community meeting, information was shared regarding the Hg levels found, what the numbers meant scientifically, what the potential health effects could be, and how exposure levels might be brought down. At the conclusion of the followup meeting, the Kwakoegron community proposed an intervention plan that had three principle parts: (1) routine analysis of Hg exposure to monitor trends and track the effects of exposure-reduction efforts; (2) routine health assessments to determine the effects of Hg exposure, particularly in children less than 5 years of age; and (3) fish advisories based on fish biology...

OBJETIVOS: El objetivo central de este proyecto fue apoyar al pueblo indígena de Kwakoegron, Suriname, a hacer su propio diagnóstico de los problemas de salud pública y ambiental. Los objetivos específicos, definidos por la población de Kwakoegron fueron: 1) determinar por sí mismos si están en riesgo de exposición a la contaminación por mercurio (Hg), 2) medir la magnitud del problema de la contaminación con Hg, y 3) comenzar un plan de intervención. MÉTODOS: El trabajo de campo se realizó entre junio de 2005 y abril de 2006. Se entrenó a miembros de la comunidad para tomar muestras de pelo para el análisis mediante métodos diseñados para optimizar la calidad y la consistencia de la muestra y minimizar la contaminación cruzada. Cada muestra de pelo, de aproximadamente 20 mg, se pesó, se colocó en el bote de muestras y se analizó inmediatamente sin conservar o almacenar. Un técnico en química analítica entrenado en la operación del analizador portátil de Hg de Lumex Zeeman midió el Hg total (THg) de cada muestra de pelo. Se realizaron conversaciones confidenciales con cada persona muestreada y se respondieron sus dudas. Luego se realizó una reunión con la comunidad para exponer el proceso, los resultados y las necesidades futuras. RESULTADOS: Las muestras de 16 de los 22 participantes tenían niveles de THg de 2,2-20,2 mg/g, superiores a los niveles normales de THg en pelo (2 mg/g). En las conversaciones confidenciales individuales y en la reunión de seguimiento con la comunidad, se informó sobre los niveles de Hg encontrados, su significado desde el punto de vista científico, los posibles efectos para la salud y cómo se pueden reducir los niveles de exposición. En las conclusiones de la reunión de seguimiento, la comunidad de Kwakoegron propuso un plan de intervención que contaba con tres partes principales: 1) análisis periódicos de la exposición al Hg para monitorear la tendencia y los esfuerzos hechos para reducir la exposición; 2)...

Observations on the distribution of anophelines in Suriname with particular reference to the malaria vector Anopheles darlingi

A study was made on the distribution of anophelines in Suriname with special emphasis on the principal malaria vector Anopheles darlingi and on the occurrence of other possible vector species. Peridomestic human bait collections of adult mosquitoes and collections of larvae were made in many localities with a recent history of malaria transmission. Stable population of An. darlingi were only found in the interior, south of the limit of tidal influence, due to year-round availability of breeding habitats in quietly sunlit places in flooded forest areas and along river banks. In the area with tidal movement of the rivers, breeding is limited to flooded areas in the west season. Anopheles darlingi was only incidentally collected in low densities. In the interior, malaria transmission occurred in all places where An. darlingi was found. The absence of malaria transmission along the Upper Suriname River could be explained by the absence of An. darlingi. In the malaria endemic areas, An darlingi was the most numerous mosquito biting on man. In the tidal region, malaria outbreak are infrequent and might be explained by the temporary availability of favourable beeding habitats for An. darlingi. However, evidence is insufficient to incriminate an. darlingi as the vector of malaria in this region and the possible vectorial role of other anophelines is discussed