Table 3 Unique Strengths in Surveillance and Data Management across the 4 countries

Surveillance

On alert due to ongoing EVD epidemic: leveraging EVD preparedness for COVID-19

Existence of a well-organized and trained surveillance team at all level of the health system (including CHWs)

Well established functional laboratory networks that allowed for rapid ramp up of testing capacity

Experience in dealing with different outbreaks

Conducted mass testing in one region of Kinshasa

Leveraged pre-existing SORMAS software and DHIS2v

EWARS functional in conflict areas

Engaged private labs in tracking travelers for post quarantine for COVID-19 testing

Community sero-prevalence completed in 6 states (2020/2021)

Strong central coordination to avoid duplication and proactive response before first case was recorded

Strong financial support from federal government

Establishment of a national alert set up during the preparatory phase with a dedicated short number accessible 24/7 for case detection.

Analysis of the distribution of confirmed cases was done to identify 45 high priority districts that guided response

On alert due to ongoing EVD epidemic: leveraging EVD preparedness for COVID-19

Restructuring of surveillance pillar i.e. creation of sub pillars including; health worker surveillance, alerts, quarantine and Points of Entry teams

Community surveys – Two Rapid Assessments for COVID-19 prevalence conducted April and August 2020. The surveys used RT-PCR (for active infection). A third was conducted March 2021

Pre-existing functional national laboratory network

Scientific advisory committee fed the NTF helping with rapid translation of data, emerging issues, research priorities, and policy shifts.

The availability of a research and innovation fund [35] from government paved the way for innovations

Data management

Introduced e-surveillance at all levels of health system August 2020 for enhanced data collection and reporting

EWARS is used in some pilot health zones for management of alerts

Real time surveillance dashboard

Automated epidemiological bulletins generated to rapidly analyze and share results

EWARS used for line listing and management of data

Testing labs linked to DHIS2

Establishment of software (Daan COVID) facilitated data collection and analysis for clinicians and surveillance system

Introduced MoH COVID 19 tracker module which is able to cover all needs for information

Innovation of electronic tools and systems including the interactive voice response systems, ODK, HMIS, RECDTS, eIDSR, DHIS2, Go Data for case reporting, detection, investigation and follow-up

An electronic integrated Disease Surveillance Response (eIDSR) was integrated into DHIS2 to capture real-time data and monitoring

Centralized data bases with an electronic Results Dispatch System (eRDS), with downloadable electronic results improved reporting of lab results

Integration of lab data into surveillance reports