Center for Health Market Innovations (CHMI)

Programs

Alerta DISAMAR

last updated Sep 27, 2011

Overview

Implementing organization: 
The US Navy, the Peruvian Navy
Legal Status: 
Public-private partnership
Year Launched: 
2003
Stage: 
Existing/expansion stage

Technology

Technology Used: 
Phones › Apps/Software, Phones › Internet, Phones › SMS/MMS (Text Message), Phones › Voice, Computer
Technology Purpose: 
Improving Data Management › Data Collection, Improving Data Management › Data Organization/Analysis
Technology Partner(s): 
Voxiva
Summary: 

Alerta DISAMAR is a disease surveillance program initiated in 2003 by the Peruvian Navy. Relying on novel technology from Voxiva, Alerta DISAMAR allows doctors in the navy to report disease outbreaks and see help in treatment.

Key program components: 

The electronic reporting system functions through 43 reporting units, including clinics, hospitals, infirmaries, and border units, as well as 19 ships and covers approximately 97.5% of the Peruvian navy population. Health care staff at each location are able to report cases of infectious illnesses through their phone by entering a personalized identification number and password, followed by a code identifying the disease. The system generates automatic reports of disease outbreaks and sends them to designated users via e-mail, voicemail, or SMS message. Thus, doctors are alerted about potential epidemics, so that certain preventative and treatment measures can be put in place early.

Alerta DISAMAR has demonstrated a sustained improvement in coverage, data quality, baseline incidence rates, and outbreak detection capability. Alerta is a flexible and stable program with minimal recurring costs - an important example of sustainable technology transfer for improving public health in a country with limited resources. Close to 90,000 health events have been reported so far using this program. In addition, 18 outbreaks have been detected that have led to recommendations for improving vector control and food procurement processes.

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