Reporting made easy: A cost effective approach to monitor HIV prevention programming using a mobile and web-based system in Nigeria

Introduction:  Data collected during implementation of  HIV prevention project currently relies on a paper-based system. Peer educators transfer information to their community-based organisations (CBOs). This information is eventually transferred to the Local Government AIDS Control Agency (LACA) and, finally to the State Government AIDS Control Agency (SACA). Thus, field data is not readily available for HIV prevention programming analysis and reflection, leaving numerous opportunities for errors in the transcription of data. These delays limit the accessibility and utility of programme data for analysis, reporting and project management, including the availability of data to inform decision-making regarding activities and resources.

Methods: A pilot project was implemented using a new reporting process which utilized a central database, based on DHIS2.0 - an open-source, robust health information software application already used in the Nigerian health sector. Data for the  HIV prevention project was entered by peer educators via internet-enabled cell phones and laptop computers, expediting the feedback process and enhancing the speed of data interpretation needed for writing reports. Stakeholders and peer educators were engaged and gave feedback throughout the process of project development and implementation.

Results: Increased timeliness in data collection and decision making, along with an increase in the capacity of the peer educators regarding technology and the community regarding HIV prevention were all outcomes of this project. There was also support from the community stakeholders involved in the project and plans for the  Monitoring & Evaluation team to scale up the project to other communities.

Conclusion: This project demonstrates that a sustainable HIV prevention response can be built from the grassroots, using technological solutions to reduce costs overall and build the capacity of local governmental agencies to take over the process of reporting and management.