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Mortality surveillance threshold

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Key points
  • Substantial elevations in mortality (two- to ten-fold the baseline) are common, particularly during the acute phase of an emergency
  • Accurate population estimates (denominator) are required to measure mortality rates. This may be difficult to calculate in urban and rural settings. Other methods of mortality estimates may be applied
  • It is essential to obtain good mortality data (numerator) using different methods from multiples sources including from health facilities and community (deaths at home, grave counting etc.)
  • Collect and analyze data on health problems and risks in order to target the major causes of excess mortality and morbidity
  • Prioritize health services that effectively reduce excess morbidity and mortality

Post emergency phase

In the post emergency phase, baseline estimates could be taken from the host country of refugees or displaced population.

The unit used in the post emergency phase is deaths/1,000/month, when deaths are reported on monthly basis.

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