Mapping of Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (e-IDSR) Implementation Across Africa: Preliminary Results
Abstract
To strengthen real-time surveillance capacity and preparedness across the African Region, the World Health Organization African Regional Office (WHO AFRO) developed the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework in 1998 to unify disease surveillance activities. The WHO AFRO serves approximately 1.3 billion people where infectious diseases accounts for about 69% of deaths with over 120 outbreaks annually. In 2019, WHO AFRO adopted the Electronic IDSR (e-IDSR) in 2019 in its technical guidelines to make use of digital tools for outbreak detection, reporting, and response. However, implementation strategies across the region remain inconsistent and insufficiently documented. Our primary question is: What digital platforms are being used for e-IDSR implementation across WHO AFRO countries since 2019, and what implementation patterns and gaps exist? We conducted a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Public Health Database (ProQuest), Google Scholar, and grey literature sources were searched using structured keywords related to digital surveillance platforms (e.g., DHIS2, SORMAS, mobile/SMS reporting), disease surveillance concepts, and all 47 WHO AFRO countries. Eligible sources included peer-reviewed and grey literature published 2019-2025. The initial search yielded 1,007 records currently undergoing screening by two reviewers. Data are being extracted using standardized templates to identify e-IDSR platforms, implementation successes, barriers, gaps, and recommendations. Findings will be synthesized using descriptive and thematic analysis. The study is expected to provide systematic identification of digital platforms and integration patterns across settings; evidence synthesis of implementation successes demonstrating performance improvements; characterization of multi-level barriers hindering optimal implementation; and compilation of actionable recommendations. This work is the first systematic country-level mapping of e-IDSR implementation in Africa post-2019. Its findings will inform targeted technical assistance, promote cross-country learning, and support evidence-based strategies to strengthen real time surveillance capacity and preparedness.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 10:00 AM
Room Number
304
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Graduate
Faculty Mentor
Mildred Maisonet
Mapping of Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (e-IDSR) Implementation Across Africa: Preliminary Results
304
To strengthen real-time surveillance capacity and preparedness across the African Region, the World Health Organization African Regional Office (WHO AFRO) developed the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework in 1998 to unify disease surveillance activities. The WHO AFRO serves approximately 1.3 billion people where infectious diseases accounts for about 69% of deaths with over 120 outbreaks annually. In 2019, WHO AFRO adopted the Electronic IDSR (e-IDSR) in 2019 in its technical guidelines to make use of digital tools for outbreak detection, reporting, and response. However, implementation strategies across the region remain inconsistent and insufficiently documented. Our primary question is: What digital platforms are being used for e-IDSR implementation across WHO AFRO countries since 2019, and what implementation patterns and gaps exist? We conducted a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Public Health Database (ProQuest), Google Scholar, and grey literature sources were searched using structured keywords related to digital surveillance platforms (e.g., DHIS2, SORMAS, mobile/SMS reporting), disease surveillance concepts, and all 47 WHO AFRO countries. Eligible sources included peer-reviewed and grey literature published 2019-2025. The initial search yielded 1,007 records currently undergoing screening by two reviewers. Data are being extracted using standardized templates to identify e-IDSR platforms, implementation successes, barriers, gaps, and recommendations. Findings will be synthesized using descriptive and thematic analysis. The study is expected to provide systematic identification of digital platforms and integration patterns across settings; evidence synthesis of implementation successes demonstrating performance improvements; characterization of multi-level barriers hindering optimal implementation; and compilation of actionable recommendations. This work is the first systematic country-level mapping of e-IDSR implementation in Africa post-2019. Its findings will inform targeted technical assistance, promote cross-country learning, and support evidence-based strategies to strengthen real time surveillance capacity and preparedness.
