O-10 Enhancing Surveillance Efforts in Eastern Caribbean Countries: Contribution of Digital Transformation in Epidemiological Surveillance Systems
Author(s):
P Singh, G Jean Dennis , E Augustus
Country(ies) Of Focus:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Year of Presentation:
2025
Objective: To describe the efforts aimed at improving surveillance systems in seven Eastern Caribbean countries
(ECC): Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the
Grenadines, to outline the roles of digitalization transformation and to inform and give confidence to others contemplating digitization of epidemiological surveillance systems.
Methods: Assessments of pre-existing and current systems (in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic) were conducted in seven (n=7) ECC, four (n=4) were conducted through health facility visits, while key informants, particularly Epidemiology personnel, assisted with completing assessments of the remaining three (n=3). A comparative analysis was done on data management and digital implementation practices (including an assessment of the integration of syndromic surveillance data into automated systems) from early 2021 to late 2023, where gaps and limitations were highlighted. Following the initial assessment, measures were implemented to enhance the efficiency of the existing system.
Results: Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica transitioned from manual, paper-based syndromic surveillance to using DHIS-2 and automated scripts for syndromic surveillance (including COVID-19) morbidity surveillance. Grenada, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and Grenadines, though most retained previous systems, introduced automated bulletin generation for reporting efficiency.
Conclusion: Despite progress made, challenges persist, but these countries’ efforts provide a valuable blueprint for advancing surveillance.