Development of The Internet - Based Malaria Surveillance, Investigation, and Follow-Up System for Malaria Elimination in Thailand

Abstract

The internet-based malaria surveillance, investigation, and follow-up system, the malaria online system, has been developed and implemented as a part of a strategy for malaria elimination in Thailand. The main objectives of this study were to demonstrate the functionality and outputs of the malaria online system after implementing in targeted areas, and to strengthen capacity of malaria staff at all level for effective utilization of this newly developed system.

The malaria online system has been functioning in 43 malaria endemic provinces since October 2011. The system combines web-based and mobile technology to achieve its functionalities. The system has covered 4,835 malaria endemic villages, 571 malaria posts and border malaria posts, 321 malaria clinics, 782 hospitals, and 171 Vector Borne Disease Units. Malaria staff in targeted areas were well trained using the user-friendly developed manual. The user's satisfactory survey was carried out to assess satisfaction to the new system. Data captured by the system between October 2011 and September 2012 were extracted and analyzed.

The malaria online system is evidence based and near real time system to capture data for early case detection and treatment, case investigation, case follow up, and monitoring and evaluation of malaria elimination activities in targeted provinces. Malaria personnel at all levels, including operational and policy levels, have utilized the core functionalities of the system. The Malaria Information systemcorrectly timely captures and reported malaria data more than the conventional paper-based reporting system. The MalariaGeoinformaticsbuilt in the system can map disease and present information at household and villages level almost real-time. The system was also highly accepted by the users as indicated in the satisfactory survey. In conclusion, the malaria online system can be the effective system for surveillance, monitoring and evaluation of malaria control and elimination in Thailand. The system should be continuously developed and additional modules, such as entomological surveillance, vector control, and behavioral change communication should also be included in the system. In addition, refresher training is required to strengthen staff's capacity to be better utilization.