Active search for COVID-19 cases during integrated supportive supervision using an electronic platform to improve healthcare workers performance in Niger: the legacy of the polio eradication program

The implementation of electronic data collection during supportive supervision visits (ISS) using the Open Data Kits (ODK) Collection in Niger has provided a factual basis for monitoring the performance of the Polio eradication program (PEP) and the immunization program. With the notification of the first case of COVID-19 on 19 March 2020, there was a rapid need for quality knowledge to monitor the pandemic. For the first time in Niger, we initiated a six-month (May to October 2020) joint ISS-COVID-19 surveillance program to improve and monitor healthcare workers' performance to efficiently investigate COVID-19 cases in eight provinces. Overall, 1,378 ISS visits were performed through 390 health facilities, during which 4,638 health workers were trained and 527,151 medical records were reviewed, of which 28 suspected cases of COVID-19 were found. Field visits for contact tracing in their communities were accomplished and closed monitoring ensured until full recovery. Building on the tradition of PEP, a problem-solving process, feedback and on-the-job training on COVID-19 surveillance is set to enhance notification in the coming weeks and months. This is facilitated by accurate use of ODK Collect for real-time data surveillance successfully implemented. Other topics in the briefing included fundamentals of infection prevention and control for COVID-19 for both health professionals and community leaders. From this experience, the ISS has emerged as a key component of COVID-19 surveillance, especially in regions with a fragile health system. Our observation is a step forward for pragmatic interventional studies.