Vaccine preventable diseases: time to re-examine global surveillance data?

While data driven estimates of the global burden of disease for some vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) are limited- aggregate case numbers of VPDs are reported annually by country in the Joint Reporting Form (JRF). We examined pertussis surveillance data in the JRF- and vaccine coverage estimates- in comparison to measles- which is a priority disease for elimination and eradication efforts and is supported by the WHO Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network. In 2012- highest pertussis case numbers and incidence were reported from high income countries with high vaccine coverage- discordant with countries that had low vaccine coverage. Use of laboratory diagnostics for pertussis cases varied among countries. In contrast- highest reported numbers of measles cases and incidences tended to occur in low income countries. These observations imply poor quality global surveillance data for some VPDs- limiting capacity for monitoring global epidemiology or making vaccination policy decisions. Efforts are needed to improve the availability of quality surveillance data for all VPDs.