A COVID-19 monitoring, tracking and tracing system developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) has helped Jamaica get ahead of the virus and reduce transmission.
The Go.Data system was developed by WHO to collect and analyse huge amounts of data collected during an outbreak to inform and assist the response of health authorities. This includes case data, contact data, laboratory and clinical data, contact follow-up information.
The rapid installation of the Go.Data surveillance system in Jamaica occurred quickly after the announcement of the pandemic, enabling health authorities to gain control of the virus. Utilizing 77 surveillance sites across the Jamaica, Regional Health Authorities and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) were able to adapt the software to suit locals needs and implement an informed response.
“The software would automate much of the work that was being done manually to track the spread of COVID-19,” explained Dr Iyanna Wellington, Medical Epidemiologist at MOHW. “The flexibility of the software and the training provided by PAHO meant we got ahead of the outbreak through effective contact tracing and coordination with laboratories,” said Dr Wellington.
Jamaica was able to transition quickly to Go.Data due to the infrastructure already having been established through the FluNet surveillance system, setup in 2017 to foster an existed surveillance system for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI). PAHO donate 25 laptops to the Go.data be installed and data collection and transmission be in real time.
PAHO supported MOHW in the establishment of the surveillance system through comprehensive training programs in all related surveillance system areas, data analysis, capacity building of laboratory personnel, as well as training in the transportation of infectious substances, to effectively respond to outbreaks of respiratory disease such as influenza.
Dr Valeska Stempliuk, PAHO Advisor on Health Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control; highlighted the importance of establishing reliable surveillance systems to detect a new treat, prior to widespread outbreaks.
“Effective surveillance is key to early detection and isolation of the cases, which saves lives,” explained Dr Stempliuk. “PAHO’s partnership with MOHW meant Jamaica was prepared, with a good surveillance system in place, when COVID-19 arrived.”
PAHO continues to work with MOHW in a coordinated response focused on surveillance systems for respiratory diseases, timely data collection, analysis reporting, and the integration of all epidemiological and accurate laboratory results. PAHO has donated and installed a suite of software and equipment to support the integration of virologic (laboratory) surveillance. Laboratory reagents and supplies for molecular detection and cellular culture have also been provided by PAHO. PAHO’s procurement mechanisms were also used to purchase A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
Go.Data is the initiative of a group of public health partners and is managed by the Global Outbreak and Response Network coordinated by the World Health Organization.
