Longer description of your proposed project

Health information systems (HIS) are systems that collect information generated by both population-based (i.e community) and institution-based (i.e National Institute of Health) data sources to provide information for benefit of public health. Infectious diseases (i.e COVID-19) are communicable diseases that spread quickly in a short time (outbreak) and can cross borders to spread over a large area (epidemic). If such diseases are reported in real-time and information shared at all levels of a health system, a collective response can be generated resulting in fewer deaths and health of population can be protected. A reliable and efficient HIS can play a vital role in timely detection, prevention and response to epidemic prone diseases. Timely and accurate information also help the health managers and decision makers to allocate scarce resources optimally. The lack of robust and effective HIS often results in a significant gap between what policy-makers, health professionals and researchers know and what they need to know to improve the health of the population. The research plan aims to analyze the impact of the DHIS-2 digital health information system on public health surveillance in Pakistan, with a focus on its effectiveness, accessibility, scalability, and sustainability. The research is prompted by the inadequacies of existing health information systems in responding to epidemic diseases, leading to delayed responses, resource misallocation, and limited capacity to combat infectious diseases such as Polio, measles, and COVID-19.

The proposed solution involves a comprehensive analysis of the DHIS-2 system in 52 districts of Pakistan, comparing it with the current paper-based system in the remaining 104 districts. The study seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving public health surveillance and response to epidemic-prone diseases.

Here's a breakdown of the causal chain and intermediate steps:

·       Identification of Surveillance System Gaps: Through comprehensive analysis and comparison of the DHIS-2 digital health information system with the current paper-based system, we can identify existing gaps and weaknesses in the surveillance system. This includes issues such as delayed reporting, data inaccuracies, and inadequate coverage. 

·       Evidence-Based Recommendations: Based on the findings from the analysis, evidence-based recommendations will be formulated. These recommendations will address specific shortcomings identified in the surveillance system, such as improving data collection methods, enhancing data quality assurance measures, and implementing real-time reporting mechanisms. 

·       Implementation of Recommendations: The next step involves implementing the evidence-based recommendations within the existing health infrastructure. This may include training health workers on new surveillance protocols, upgrading technological infrastructure to support real-time reporting, and strengthening coordination between different levels of the health system. 

·       Improved Surveillance System Performance: With the implementation of these recommendations, we anticipate a significant improvement in the performance of the surveillance system. Real-time reporting and enhanced data quality assurance measures will lead to more accurate and timely detection of epidemic outbreaks. 

·       Prompt Response to Outbreaks: The improved surveillance system will enable health authorities to detect and respond to epidemic outbreaks more promptly and effectively. Early detection allows for swift implementation of control measures such as vaccination campaigns, vector control, and public awareness campaigns. 

·       Reduction in Disease Transmission: By responding to outbreaks in a timely manner, the spread of epidemic diseases such as Measles, Dengue, and Diphtheria can be mitigated. Prompt intervention disrupts the transmission chain, reducing the number of cases and ultimately leading to a decrease in disease prevalence. 

·       Quantifying Impact: Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be put in place to assess the impact of the improved surveillance system on disease outcomes. By comparing disease incidence rates before and after the implementation of recommendations, we can quantify the reduction in epidemic disease outbreaks achieved through more efficient and reliable reporting of data. 

While it's acknowledged that there are several intermediate steps and assumptions involved in this causal chain, each step is grounded in evidence-based practices and informed by the principles of public health surveillance and epidemic control. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will be essential to track progress and adjust strategies as needed to achieve the desired reduction in disease outbreaks.

Describe why you think you're qualified to work on this

As a medical epidemiologist and researcher from Pakistan, I have over 5 years of experience in infectious disease surveillance with reputable organizations such as WHO, UKHSA, and CDC, is well-positioned to lead the project. The research is expected to contribute not only to the improvement of public health surveillance in Pakistan but also to the global understanding of digital health systems and their impact on health security. The study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 and fosters collaboration among international partners.

Other ways I can learn about you

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-saeed-ahmad-1b2b1a17b/

How much money do you need?

10000 USD

Links to any supporting documents or information

No response.

Estimate your probability of succeeding if you get the amount of money you asked for

Reduction in epidemic disease outbreaks (Measles, Dengue and Diphtheria) by 50% through efficient and reliable reporting of data on these priority diseases in Pakistan.