Malaria Decision Support System (MDSS)
The effective control of malaria within a region requires programme managers to have access to the most up to date information on the disease in order to best direct interventions against mosquitoes. The Malaria Decision Support System (MDSS) is a computer package that collates data on disease incidence, vector populations (including density and insecticide resistance) and intervention activities and presents this information in a web-based, real-time geographical format.
The MDSS development is a collaboration between the Medical Research Council of South Africa, the National Malaria Control Programmes in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and Colorado State University. Field data collection is taking place in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
The MDSS brings together all the key indicators needed for effective vector control into one bespoke system customised for the needs of the country or region. The ability to view the outcome of interventions in a number of environmental settings and differing operational challenges further increases the usefulness of the MDSS to programme managers looking to optimise their system.
Sentinel sites have been established in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. This is combined with survey, clinic and spray data to provide the full data set needed for the operation of the system.
The MDSS IT infrastructure will be completed in 2010, and in-country testing has been carried out. We expect the system to be ready for roll-out in mid 2010.
The MDSS is being developed alongside, and wherever possible, in collaboration with initiatives from other key players including the Malaria Control and Evaluation Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), the President’s Malaria Initiative, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation