Montevideo, Uruguay, May 27, 2024 (PAHO) - A delegation from Jamaica visited Uruguay to learn more about Electronic Immunization Registration (EIR) systems, which provide consolidated digital records of patients’ vaccination history. The 13-person delegation gathered input for Jamaica’s initiative to develop its own EIR system, aimed at facilitating data sharing between the government and the private health sector, enable real-time data entry, and streamline data management.
Importantly, the EIR system will help identify children who have not been vaccinated and is supported by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), among other donors, as part of GAC’s program to finance COVID-19 and routine immunization activities. The delegation included representatives from all organizations involved in Jamaica’s EIR initiative: the Ministry of Health and Wellness, PAHO/WHO, UNICEF, and USAID through its CHISU (Country Health Information Systems and Data Use) program, which is managed by John Snow Inc (JSI).
The May 22-24 visit took place in the framework of “South-South” cooperation between countries and was facilitated by the Uruguayan Health Intelligence Node (NISU), which includes Uruguay’s Ministry of Public Health (MSP), the Uruguayan Agency for International Cooperation, PAHO/WHO, and the United Nations in Uruguay.
Uruguay is a regional leader in digital health
Uruguay has become a leader in the Americas in digitalization of the health sector. Its EIR system has been internationally recognized for its effectiveness in increasing vaccination coverage and improving public health outcomes.
During the visit to Uruguay, the Jamaica representatives received a formal welcome from Uruguay’s Minister of Public Health, Dr. Karina Rando, in which United Nations Resident Coordinator, Pablo Ruiz and Dr. Wilson Benia, representing PAHO/WHO, took part.
Tour covers the digital transformation of health systems
The study tour of the Jamaican delegation focused on Jamaica’s review of the status of its EIR initiative, while Uruguay’s MSP demonstrated its EIR system. Uruguay’s AGESIC (Agency for E-Government and the Society of Information and Knowledge), which leads Uruguay’s e-government strategy and its implementation, presented on digital health and technological infrastructure.
The delegation participated in coordination meetings, presentations on Uruguay’s National Integrated Health System (SNIS), the National Vaccination Program (PNV) and the Vaccination Information System (SIV), which is Uruguay’s EIR. Topics such as digital transformation in Uruguay, interoperability of healthcare systems, information security, and clinical governance and technical standards were also addressed.
“The study tour has made it clear that much can be achieved with limited resources,” said Dr. Melody Ennis, head of the Jamaican delegation. “Our Uruguayan colleagues have inspired us with their dedication and enriched us with their experience in implementing an EIR system. We hope that this relationship can be sustained and serve as a good example of “South-South” cooperation.”
“We hope that the link created between the technicians of both countries will continue the collective learning process and ultimately improve citizens’ healthcare experience,” said Dr. Daniel Otzoy-García, the Digital Health Technical Advisor from JSI who is working under the USAID-funded CHISU program.
Delegation visits immunization centers in Uruguay
Federica Bertacchini, PAHO's Project Management Advisor in Jamaica, stressed that the Uruguayan immunization strategy and its electronic registry are major achievements in the region. “This visit has been a tremendous opportunity for Jamaica to learn from a robust partner like Uruguay, and for Uruguay to be challenged by important technical questions,” she said. “Both countries benefited enormously from this exchange, which was facilitated by the PAHO country offices.”
In addition to participating in technical meetings, the delegation visited the vaccination center in the Pereira Rossell Hospital and the Mobile Vaccination Center of the Institute of Hygiene to experience first-hand the operations and benefits facilitated by the local SIV.
Dr. Kristina Celentano, UNICEF consultant for the EIR, said, the visit allowed the Jamaica delegation to learn about the “enabling environment that underpins Uruguay’s success, especially its robust regulatory framework, the national identity management services and the interoperability platform.”
Noelia Speranza, PAHO technical consultant in Uruguay, highlighted that, “Collaborating in these activities allows Uruguay to share processes, learning curves and lessons in the implementation and sustainability of the SIV, in addition to making visible the great work done in digital health.” More information.
