CARPHA recognizes that entomological surveillance in CMS is inadequate not only because of resource constraints, but also because the system of Integrated Vector Management (IVM) is archaic. The reliance of IVM on paper-based data collection and processing, especially as it relates to entomological indices and epidemiological data, cripples the effectiveness of the vector control teams in CMS. The inability to predict increases in vector populations coupled with limited knowledge of the spatial epidemiological trends, often leads to recurrent outbreaks of vector-borne arboviral diseases such as Dengue.
In response, CARPHA is attempting to modernize the data collection and processing capacities of the CMS by implementing Geographic Information Systems to the vector control programmes as follows:
Training and Implementation of Novel Geographic Information System (GIS) Technology for combatting vector-borne diseases.
The Epi Info for Vector Surveillance App was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a Novel GIS tablet-based solution for vector surveillance and control.
In 2018, CARPHA began a regional rollout process by doing a GIS Epi-Info training workshop for 13 CMS (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and Trinidad) with a total of 26 persons benefitting from the training. GIS-capable tablets were procured for all the attending CMS. The workshop was held from May 23rd to 25th, 2018 at the Insect Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Trinidad.
The Objectives of the workshop were:
- 1. To strengthen CARPHA Member States’ capacity implementation of GIS technology in entomological surveillance.
- 2. To do a follow up of the receipt, installation and use of the QGIS platform.
- 3. To introduce vector control personnel to a novel GIS solution for entomological surveillance.
- 4. To provide field training in the use of Epi Info App for vector surveillance.
- 5. To demonstrate the improvement of Integrated Vector Management Systems through implementation of GIS technology.