Smart Surveillance and Micromanagement Using Information Technology for Malaria Elimination in Mangaluru, India – an Analysis of Five Years Data

BackgroundMalaria control system (MCS), an Information technology (IT)-driven surveillance and monitoring intervention is being adopted for elimination of malaria in Mangaluru city, Karnataka, India since October 2015. This facilitated ‘smart surveillance’ followed by required field response within a timeline. The system facilitated data collection of individual case and data driven mapping and strategies for malaria elimination programme. This paper aims to present the analysis of post-digitization data of 5 years, discuss the current operational functionalities of MCS and its impact on the malaria incidence.MethodsIT system developed for robust malaria surveillance and field response is being continued in the 6th year. Protocol for surveillance control was followed as per the national programme guidilines mentioned earlier. Secondary data from the malaria control system is collated and analysed. Incidence of malaria, active surveillance, malariogenic conditions and its management, malariometric indices, shrinking malaria map were also analysed.ResultsSmart surveillance and subsequent response for control was sustained and performance improved in five years with participation of all stakeholders. Overall malaria incidence significantly reduced by 83% at the end of 5 years when compared with year of digitizarion (DY) (pConclusionIT System helped to micromanage control activities such as robust reporting, incidence-centric active surveillance, early and complete treatment, documentation of full treatment of each malaria patient, targeted mosquito control measures in houses surrounding reported cases. The learnings and analytical output from the data helped to modify strategies for control of both disease and the vector, heralding the city into the elimination stage.