Activating Local Software for COVID-Control
India has reported a few rising number of Coronavirus cases in the past few days. Readiness to contain the spread involves activate local software by following the SIRA model:
In vector control operations, the SIRA model (Survey, Information, Response, Appraisal) is widely used. Basically, the SIRA ensures that all breeding places are covered once every seven days to ensure all mosquitos are killed at the larvae stage. At the same time, high mosquito density areas are identified and control measures undertaken. Let us see how to apply this four-step model to COVID- control operations.
All the localities are surveyed, mapped, and health workers (e.g. Asha workers, pulse polio teams) conduct a daily household survey. Only targeted information helpful in developing a response to COVID-19 is collected. The first level of information relates to identifying people with symptoms (e.g. body temperature, oxygen level using oxy-meters, cough) or morbidity (e.g. severe asthma, serious heart conditions, severe obesity, diabetes, kidney disease). The best way to collect information is by using digital tools (e.g. ANMOL tablets); however, keeping in view the differences in use of digital tools in states, paper forms could also be used.
Next, the information is communicated to an interdepartmental command-and-control center (CCC). The CCC would be established for a locality in urban/semi-urban areas, or 200 villages in rural areas. The CCC would be supervised by an officer not below the rank of a Deputy Collector. The CCC would ensure that daily surveys are organized, information received and organized in usable form, action taken and feedback obtained to modify the response, on-the-fly.
The third step is to use the information to develop a set of response actions to achieve set targets. Combining survey information with other sources of information (e.g. via Aarogya Setu, social media) the CCC would decide on individuals/households or blocks of houses to be tested. On receiving the test results, the CCC would decide the patients to be sent to hospitals or kept in home isolation. In case of widespread infection in a locality, either lockdown or lock-in of a block of houses would be enforced. For these households, door delivery of essentials would be organized through e-commerce or other means. In COVID-free areas, the CCC would carry out an awareness campaign to make people wear masks, wash hands, and maintain social distancing measures.
Multiple sources would provide feedback to the CCC for appraisal. Some of the well-known sources include social media, volunteers, press, health and other government workers, and local organizations. The feedback would primarily inform the CCC on the efficacy of their response and gaps in survey or information flow. The constant feedback would enable the CCC to modify its plans, real-time.
This local software is likely to connect people with public service providers and provide incentive for citizen vigilance. People would take more interest in COVID-control operations as they recognize the value of coherent and systematic action where their preferences and demands count. An army of COVID-19 warriors would be recruited, leading to greater efficiency and integrity of COVID-control operations.
