2017 ICT4D Conference

Akros has pioneered national community-based surveillance systems in Zambia and has successfully replicated such systems at scale in surrounding countries. In fact, Akros was the first implementing partner to use mobile-to-web DHIS2 as both a data collection and feedback tool at scale in Zambia. Initially, Akros focused on malaria in Lusaka district, but today, a network of more than 3,000 volunteers across 96 districts and 17,000 villages are reporting on water and sanitation indicators. Targeted actions informed by this system led to access to improved sanitation for an additional two million Zambians and Southern Africa's first district to be declared ""Open Defecation Free.""

The scale and transfer of this ""mHealth"" initiative was only possible through constant communication with government partners from the outset of the process. To complement this process, Akros cultivated the support of traditional leaders (chiefs) by engaging them in analysis of their local data and promote healthy behaviors in their communities. Today, the project is maintained by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, with technical support from Akros, SNV, and Plan.

This presentation will discuss our approach to community led total sanitation, and strategies for the sustainable scaling of routine data collection initiatives. In particular it will share how we developed a network of data providers and data users, at both the community and central government levels.