Abstract

MORON-DUARTE, Lina S  and  CASTILLO-PABON, José O. The process of eliminating neonatal Tetanus in Colombia, 1989-2005. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2014, vol.16, n.5, pp.744-752. ISSN 0124-0064.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rsap.v16n5.51678.

Objective To describe the country's progress in eliminating neonatal tetanus based on the information obtained from epidemiologic surveillance. Material and Methods A retrospective descriptive study of the epidemiological surveillance of neonatal tetanus in Colombia in the period ranging from 1989 to 2005. Available information was consulted regarding confirmations of this event of interest for Public Health. Results During the study period, a total of 830 cases of neonatal tetanus were reported. In 1989, the rate of neonatal tetanusinColombiawas0.22 per1000live births. In 2005, this value was reduced to 0.01 cases per1000live births; a reduction of nearly 94 %. Conclusions Given the information provided by epidemiological surveillance, Colombia has achieved the goal of maintaininga rate<1 case per 1000live births. Nevertheless, even one case anywhere in the country should be considered a failure of the healthcare system.

Keywords : Epidemiology surveillance; tetanus; newborn; incidence.

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