The electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system (eIDSR) was created to improve the flow of information within health systems. Paper-based methods present challenges that make health and disease data reporting time-consuming and error sensitive, resulting in questionable credibility and completeness of information.

Our approach is a purpose-built digital data collecting and reporting tool. The tool is integrated in the national health system through its compatibility with the health information system DHIS2 which is used in over 45 countries, including many with vulnerable health systems.

Our regional knowledge enables us to incorporate features that tackle challenges such as low connectivity and inconsistent power availability. Reinforced by expertise in expansive implementation, targeted training, mentorship and the delivery of necessary logistics and hardware, we present a stellar solution for health data collection and reporting. From health workers in hard-to-reach rural areas up to health officials in the major urban centers, eIDSR connects the health system to generate a clear and accurate picture of the population health landscape.

Public health workers are frontline responders during disease outbreaks. In order to prevent diseases from spreading, they need to be able to alert authorities quickly and accurately in order to ensure they get the right resources at the right time in order to keep communities healthy.

To overcome the challenge of paper-based reporting, we created a time-saving and error-reducing tool for data collection and reporting that could be built upon an existing infrastructure.

In contrast to the traditional health facility paper-based system which requires data to be re-entered electronically at the district level, the eIDSR mobile application collects and reports data from the community level up to the national level. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to train new users with little or no smartphone experience. The new system reduces the risk of errors through mechanisms including data validation and improving the accuracy of the data submitted by health facilities before it is seen on the district level. Barriers, such as poor connectivity in remote areas, are overcome by the capability of the application to submit data via internet, SMS, or to save data offline and automatically submit as soon as a connection is available.

Since it is built on the infrastructure provided by DHIS2, a health information system used in over 45 countries, it allows data to be visualized which provides insights into the state of public health. This information can then be used by health system decision makers to form near real-time decisions about any potential disease outbreak.

We have credibility and experience in the successful launch, implementation and technical expertise of eIDSR. As proven through pilot programs implemented in six health facilities located in Sierra Leone’s Port Loko district and planned releases in two of Liberia’s districts, we offer a user-friendly solution that enables public health workers to collect, report and analyze data on one platform.

Yeama Thompson, 
Community Health Nurse,
Royiben Maternal and Child Health Post
Sierra Leone

Abdul K. Sesay, 
National Surveillance Officer & Deputy Data Manager,
Directorate of Disease Planing & Control
Ministry of Health and Sanitation
Sierra Leone

Hawa Kallon, 
Public Health Sister, 
District Health Management Team,
Port Loko District
Sierra Leone