Going Mobile: VectorLink Nigeria Transitions to Mobile Data Collection for Entomology

This week’s Fist Bump goes out to the PMI VectorLink Nigeria team for their rollout of mobile data collection for entomology. In October 2021, the VectorLink Nigeria team transitioned from a Microsoft access-based data collection system to the DHIS2-based VectorLink Collect system at six sentinel sites where entomology surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring activities are carried out.

To ensure more robust and near-real time data collection into VectorLink Collect, the project transitioned to the mobile DHIS2 Android Capture Application in four out of the six sentinel sites, becoming one of three countries to date to have done so. Quite an accomplishment given the team rolled out VectorLink Collect less than six months ago!

Leading up to the roll-out, two technicians from each of the four sentinel sites were trained on the use of the mobile DHIS2 Android Capture application to enable data entry and syncing directly into the VectorLink Collect system. Mobile data collection was launched at the four sites during monthly surveillance activities from March 14-17, 2022. All four teams successfully carried out data collection for all entomology activities using the newly deployed devices.

“The teams showed great excitement at having to make use of the mobile devices for data entry and were very quick in adapting to the new system,” said Ifeanyi Okeke, MEL Specialist, PMI VectorLink Nigeria

The deployment of the mobile system eliminates the need for pen and paper data collection and comes with several functionalities: near real-time data capture, direct syncing and analysis in a central server, intuitive data collection forms containing data filters and validation rules, an instant GPS collection system integrated into the data form—eliminating the need for a separate GPS device, and the ability to organize, store and update records with ease.

The mobile data collection system has eased the burden of data collection, making data available to decision-makers faster than ever before. It has removed the cost of printing paper forms for data collection, improved the quality of data, ensured timely collection and review of data, and enhanced data security.

Congratulations to the VectorLink Nigeria team!