Abstract
BackgroundA web-based malaria reporting information system (MRIS) has the potential to improve malaria reporting and management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the existing manual paper-based MRIS and to provide a way to overcome the obstacles by developing a web-based MRIS in Indonesia.MethodsAn exploratory study was conducted in 2012 in Lahat District, South Sumatra Province of Indonesia. We evaluated the current reporting system and identified the potential benefits of using a web-based MRIS by in-depth interviews on selected key informants. Feasibility study was then conducted to develop a prototype system. A web-based MRIS was developed, integrated and synchronized, with suitability ranging from Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) to the Lahat District Health Office.ResultsThe paper-based reporting system was sub-optimal due to a lack of transportation, communication, and human capacity. We developed a web-based MRIS to replace the current one. Although the web-based system has the potential to improve the malaria reporting information system, there were some barriers to its implementation, including lack of skilled operators, computer availability and lack of internet access. Recommended ways to overcome the obstacles are by training operators, making the application in an offline mode and able to be operated by mobile phone text messaging for malaria reporting.ConclusionThe web-based MRIS has the potential to be implemented as an enhanced malaria reporting information system and investment in the system to support timely management responses is essential for malaria elimination. The developed application can be cloned to other areas that have similar characteristics and MRIS with a built-in web base to aid its application in the 5G future.
Highlights
Malaria is a public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries which associated with high morbidity and mortality, in vulnerable groups [1, 2]
The web-based system has the potential to improve the malaria reporting information system, there were some barriers to its implementation, including lack of skilled operators, computer availability and lack of internet access
Prototype malaria reporting information system (MRIS) was tested by researcher who expertise in system information where it was integrated and synchronised ranging from the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) to the DHO
Summary
Malaria is a public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries which associated with high morbidity and mortality, in vulnerable groups [1, 2]. In Indonesia, the national government aims to eliminate malaria from the country by 2030 [4]. Malaria is still a major public health problem in the country including in the Lahat District of South Sumatra Province. In 2012, the Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of malaria in Lahat District was 4.69 per 1,000 population [5]. Some determinants of malaria in the Lahat District have been identified including the proximity of breeding places of Anopheles mosquitoes to human settlement [8], as well as environmental factors that affect mosquitoes [9].
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