COVID-19 got the world busy by engaging in various interventions to prevent, detect it and quarantine all those affected and infected. Various local and multinational organisations have deployed their staff and resources to contribute in the response for preventing its spread.

In its endeavour to contribute to the response, ACHAP has developed the Botswana Covid-19 Real Time Tracing and Tracking System (RTTS) which is an enhanced screening and contact tracing system that integrates Covid-19 test and trace data. It provides a system for timely detection and monitoring of infectious disease outbreaks and other health events. The RTTS is founded on Qode Inter-operability framework which is a data management structure possessing built in integration engines and algorithms that can integrate data from various systems and other data sources into a single repository; the Data Warehouse. Using a three-step process of data encryption, de-identification and consolidation for enhanced validity, accuracy and integrity, this process ensures that the Data Warehouse is a Single Source of Truth.

The Knowledge Centre is then able to access validated data using business intelligence tools to develop customizable and dynamic reports and dash boards. Knowledge Centre also produces key metrics that automatically update, eliminating the need for manual report development. Reports provided are live reports (dynamic reports) and static reports (saved reports)

The RTTS ensures reliable performance monitoring and reporting and makes it easier to track process indicators on an hourly, daily, weekly and monthly basis as they unfold at the districts or at ports of entry. Automated reports are accessible to all relevant stake holders real time so that they can better understand the improve the national response effectiveness.

The Real Time Tracing and Tracking system is capable of collecting and monitoring data from various posts real time in a war room and teams are given advice real time as situations unfold. It is connected to tablets which are used to collect data in the field. The tablets are synchronised to the war room where data is analysed and reports given real time. It is able to show the exact geo location of field workers while on field and identify cases by location.

There is communication between operatives in the Situation Room and the field officers for updates on their performance and instant trouble-shooting in the event that they have challenges with their data collection gadgets(tablets). Daily reports are given to the Ministry of health while lists of those swabbed are sent to the laboratory where testing and verification is done.

With effect fom the 8th May 2020 to date, the system has been used in border posts at Pioneer, Mamuno , Kazungula, Ferry gate , Ramakgwebana, Martins Drift and Tlokweng boarder gates.

According to the ACHAP, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Mr Mooketsi Ramakele, “the system has various advantages, in that it has drastically reduced the amount of paper work in the way they function.

It has also facilitated real time access to data by all stakeholders, which includes the Covid – 19 Task Force and the Ministry of Health and Wellness for informed and timely decision making.

Suspects can be easily identified real time using geographical location. It has been handy for monitoring of international arrivals. If need be, one can zoom into the geo position and have a team investigate the suspect in 15 minutes time.

So far over 6800 clients have been tracked in the country through contact tracing and active case finding in communities and ports of entry since 23rd April 2020 using the system.

The system can be used for various other programs which need to be monitored real time. This is yet another effort by ACHAP to meet the paperless demands of the fourth industrial revolution through innovative technologies.

The Chief Executive officer for ACHAP Dr Khumo Seipone said that they were proud to have contributed this technology and service, for the benefit of the nation in this challenging time where real time monitoring of the pandemic is pertinent for relevant, informed planning and strategizing.