Introduction

The surveillance system for communicable diseases and vaccinations in Palestine is robust and well-established. The burden of vaccine-preventable disease in Palestine is generally low.

Methods and Findings

Data on the reported number of vaccinations given and the reported number of vaccine-preventable diseases were collected from the MoH, analysed, and discussed.

Vaccination coverage is very high for all EPI vaccines. The reported number of cases of vaccine-preventable diseases is low for most diseases with the exception of chronic hepatitis B, pertussis, and mumps. In Gaza, the meningococcal disease situation is concerning.

Discussion and conclusions: Although the situation of vaccine-preventable communicable diseases and their surveillance in general is of high standard, there is always room for considerable improvements.

Recommendations

• Improve the denominator data used for measuring vaccine coverage
• Assess the currently reported low rates of tuberculosis
• Synchronize reporting between the West Bank and Gaza, including for hepatitis B, pertussis, mumps, and meningococcal disease
• Ensure lab testing for all diseases in the EPI program, including for pertussis and mumps in Gaza and the West Bank
• Consider reorganizing reporting of invasive bacterial infections (meningococci, pneumococci, and Hib) to include both meningitis and septicemia
• Improve lab diagnostic possibilities for meningococci in Gaza
• Consider increased surveillance and prevention measures against polio
• Consider whether to introduce booster doses of certain vaccines to older children and adults, most notably against pertussis, but also against tetanus and polio

Note

This technical review was finalized in August 2013. Since then there have been substantial developments in certain areas, especially regarding poliomyelitis. These developments are not included in this review.