Maldives has been successfully using Go.Data, a WHO software tool for outbreak investigation and contact tracing, as a critical part of its COVID-19 operations.
The user-friendly platform, which can be used online or offline and is available as a mobile app, is the principle contact tracing mechanism for COVID-19 in the country, customized to the local geography.
According to the local Health Protection Agency, the adoption of Go.Data in Maldives has been instrumental in effective initial outbreak investigation and management.
The Maldives government approached WHO for relevant advice shortly after its first COVID-19 case was recorded, since then working closely with WHO’s country office, South East Asia Regional Office and the Health Emergencies Programme’s Data and Surveillance team, sharing all queries and information and helping set a team for data collection and entry.
WHO recommended the digital tool as Maldives had the highest internet and smart phone penetration in the WHO South East Asia region; it was up and running within a week of the government’s request.
WHO teams provide ongoing, continuous support to the Maldives in training staff involved via a mobile phone app, through which queries, messages, and requests for support and troubleshooting are exchanged.
Go.Data is the initiative of a group of public health partners and is managed by the Global Outbreak and Response Network, coordinated by WHO. The tool has strengthened follow-up of cases and contacts during outbreaks involving human to human transmission of disease.