Implementing Surveillance and Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) for Public Health in West Africa- Lessons Learnt and Future Direction

Background: Mobile devices have the potential to strengthen surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa. Electronic surveillance (eSurveillance) is the use of electronic systems to facilitate public health surveillance. Mobile health (mHealth) is the use of mobile phone technology for health-related purposes. SORMAS is a new system developed as a tool for surveillance and public health response management of infectious diseases. Aims: To pilot a new mobile phone based Surveillance and Outbreak Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) application in Nigeria and document the experience and challenges. Place and Duration of Study: Health facilities and Local Government areas in Kano and Oyo States, Nigeria, West Africa and Abuja, Nigeria, West Africa between December 2014 and July 2015.