Harnessing laboratory data for poliovirus eradication: contributions of the Africa regional polio laboratory data management team, 2022 – 2024

Background and Objectives

Polio laboratory data is crucial in providing timely and accurate information on poliovirus outbreaks and therefore an important component of the overall poliovirus eradication strategies. This paper discusses the contributions of the Africa Regional Polio Laboratory Data Management Team (RPLDMT) in optimizing data-driven polio eradication efforts in the African region from 2022 to 2024.

Methods

We explored key data management activities performed by the RPLDMT from 2022 to 2024 and assessed their contribution on enhancing polio eradication efforts in the African region.

Results

The RPLDMT has significantly advanced polio eradication efforts in Africa through multiple initiatives. Notably, the team has supported the Africa Regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by providing 218 daily line lists of polioviruses identified, improving real-time case tracking and decision-making. The integration of Open Data Kit (ODK), an open-source electronic data collection tool, has enhanced poliovirus environmental surveillance, benefitting 23 countries in 2022, 13 in 2023, and 14 as of August 2024. The development of a sophisticated automated data quality assurance script has improved data accuracy and reliability, with 65 weekly line lists of errors provided for data correction. Additionally, the introduction of the biweekly Africa Regional Polio Laboratory Network (ARPLN) bulletin and real-time dashboards has optimized data use, aiding in actionable insights and decision-making. Efforts to transition to the Web-based Information for Action (WebIFA) system and capacity building through training workshops have further strengthened data management and surveillance capabilities across the region.

Conclusion

The contributions provided by the RPLDMT has played a key role in boosting the polio eradication efforts with a focus on enhancing human resource skills embracing new technologies and implementing real-time performance monitoring tools to improve data quality and strengthen data-driven decision-making processes essential for speeding up the progress towards eradicating polio in the region.