Indigenously developed digital handheld Android-based Geographic Information System (GIS)-tagged tablets (TABs) in malaria elimination programme in Mangaluru city, Karnataka, India

Abstract

BackgroundUnder-reporting, delayed diagnosis, incomplete treatment and inadequate vector management are few among many factors responsible for uninterrupted transmission of malaria in India. Information technology (IT) and mobile apps can be utilized effectively to overcome these hurdles. Indigenously developed digital handheld geographic information system (GIS)-tagged Android-based tablets (TABs) has been designed especially for implementation of digitization protocol. This has changed the effectiveness of malaria surveillance and intervention strategies in a malaria endemic area of Mangaluru city, Karnataka, India.MethodsA software was developed and implemented for control measures to create a digital database of each malaria case. Secondary data analyses were carried out to determine and compare differences in malariometric indices between pre- and post-digitization years. With the introduction of this software active surveillance, information education and communication (IEC), and anti-vector measures were made ‘incidence-centric’. This means that the entire control measures were carried out in the houses where the malaria cases (index cases) were reported and also in surrounding houses.ResultsAnnual blood examination rate (ABER) increased from 13.82 to 32.8%. Prompt reporting of new cases had improved (36% within 24 h and 80% within 72 h). Complete treatment and parasite clearance time were documented in 98% of cases. In the second post-digitization year untraceable cases reduced from 11.3 to 2.7%; contact blood smears collection also increased significantly (p < 0.001); Slide Positivity Rate (SPR) decreased from 15.5 to 10.48%; malaria cases reduced by 30%.ConclusionsIT is very useful in translation of digitized surveillance to core interventions thereby effectively reduce incidence of malaria. This technology can be used effectively to translate smart surveillance to core interventions following the ‘1-3-7-14’ strategy.

Haplotype of RNASE 3 polymorphisms is associated with severe malaria in an Indian population

“…In the last 5 years, the local district health department instead of the local municipal authority governs the malaria control operation. Following this, active and passive fever surveys through digital surveillance devices are in function throughout the city [ 31 ]. Thus, prompt diagnosis and treatment are provided.…”

Digitized smart surveillance in malaria elimination programme in Mangaluru city, Karnataka, India ― a detailed account of operationalization in post-digitization years

“…While the preliminary results were encouraging [4], it was very important to assess the impact of interventions in order to determine its future course and also to look for additional measures to strengthen the ongoing malaria control operations.The purpose of improving the reporting time and providing the TABs to MPWs was to improve surveillance and make it "smart." Smart surveillance reduces the time delay between diagnosis and registration of a new incidence for necessary action in the eld to break the chain of transmission.…”

Two hyperparasitaemic Plasmodium falciparum cases successfully treated with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy

“…Mangalore city in the southwestern coast of India is endemic for malaria and contributes 70 to 80% of total malaria cases in Karnataka [22] and Anopheles stephensi is the main urban malaria vector [23]. Recent change in the malaria control operations in Mangalore [24] and national malaria control programme [23] have led to a significant reduction in malaria transmission in India. Hypergametocytaemia (54%) with 1:1 of male and female gametocytes ratio in second patient further confirms the hypothesis that in low-transmission areas, parasites invest more in transmission to new hosts via reproduction and less in within-host replication than parasites found in high-transmission areas [25].…”