ICMR-NIE Launches Data Analytics Platform To Strengthen Outbreak Response

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The platform is designed to enable rapid analysis of outbreak data and support real-time decision-making in public health emergencies.

The ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has launched a new data analytics platform, Advanced Data Analytics for Public Health Action and Research Venture (ADARV), aimed at improving epidemic intelligence and accelerating outbreak response in India. The platform is designed to enable rapid analysis of outbreak data and support real-time decision-making in public health emergencies.

ADARV has been developed in collaboration with the Centre of Data for Public Good (CDPG) and the Isaac Centre for Public Health (ICPH) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. It integrates epidemiological systems with modern data infrastructure and analytics tools to streamline how outbreak data is processed and interpreted.

According to ICMR-NIE, the platform allows users to analyse outbreak data quickly without relying on external software or specialised statisticians. This is intended to reduce delays in interpreting field data and enable faster response actions during health emergencies.

ADARV also functions as a public health data warehouse, where researchers and institutions can upload datasets and share them with the wider scientific community. The initiative is aimed at improving data accessibility and encouraging a shift from siloed information systems to a more open and collaborative research ecosystem.

The institute stated that the structured repository is designed to support the development of a shared outbreak intelligence system that can be used across the research and public health network in India.

Speaking about the platform, Dr Manoj V. Murhekar, Scientist G and Director at ICMR-NIE, said that outbreak investigations earlier involved manual data collection, spreadsheet entry, and delayed analysis. He noted that during a hepatitis outbreak in Haryana, ADARV enabled field data collected in the morning to be fully analysed within an hour.

Dr Rizwan S. A., Scientist E at ICMR-NIE, said the platform aims to convert field data into actionable intelligence for faster detection and response. He added that the integration of data science, artificial intelligence, and public health expertise is intended to strengthen India’s epidemic intelligence system.

The platform is expected to support faster outbreak detection and improve the speed and accuracy of public health responses across India.

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