UP Becomes First State to Launch Real-Time Digital Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Initially launched in May 2023, the UDSP was created to monitor 12 notified diseases and has since played a critical role in enhancing public health surveillance across the state.

Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to implement real-time digital surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) through a dedicated state-owned platform.

The surveillance, launched on May 1, is being carried out via the Unified Disease Surveillance Portal (UDSP), which the state government developed as an integrated disease monitoring system in the post-COVID era.

The new initiative allows for case-based reporting and real-time data collection of six key VPDs: poliomyelitis (acute flaccid paralysis), measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.

These efforts are part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), supported by the World Health Organization's National Public Health Support Network (NPSN).

UDSP: Expanding Digital Disease Monitoring

Originally launched in May 2023, the UDSP was created to monitor 12 notified diseases and has since played a critical role in enhancing public health surveillance across the state.

Now, with the inclusion of vaccine-preventable diseases, the platform will offer enhanced monitoring capabilities and faster outbreak response mechanisms.

"This integration will enable rapid communication between districts and the state, improving the overall quality of public health response and early disease identification," said Dr. Sandeep Chaudhary, Chief Medical Officer.

"The availability of accurate, timely data will help in better planning and implementation of immunization programs while also facilitating swift interventions to increase vaccine coverage."

Dr. Chaudhary added that one of the major benefits of UDSP is its accessibility to citizens. They can now obtain their lab reports online, similar to how COVID-19 test results were distributed.

He emphasized the need for active participation from health officials and staff to ensure the program's success.

A patient diagnosed with a VPD was recently registered at the OPD of Sir Sundarlal Hospital, IMS-BHU, marking the portal's real-time functionality.

School-Based Vaccination Campaign Underway

District Immunisation Officer Dr. SS Kanojia shared that as part of World Immunisation Week, a statewide TD (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccination campaign is being conducted in schools.

Free vaccines are being administered to students in grades 5 and 10 across both government and private institutions.

He also confirmed that UDSP, which complies with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), has been integrated with national portals for seamless data sharing.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.