Table 1 Description of the study area and survey coordination in three zones of the southern region of Ethiopia, 2012–2013

District population

144,244

73,817

261,128

Population density per sq. km

342.64

217.13

451.83

N^o of kebeles

33

28

32

N^o of Health centres

7

4

6

N^o of Health posts

33

28

32

Health service coverage

100%

95%

85%

Baseline case detection rate

43%

31%

80%

Training days for data collection

2

2

2

Data collection period

Feb 2013

Dec 2013

Feb-March 2012

Participants in data collection

40

20

34

HEWs involved for sample collection

10

14

8

Supervisors

6

5

4

Laboratory technicians

2

2

2