Fighting a moving target: Leapfrogging to new information systems for malaria vector monitoring and control

In order to adapt control efforts to the moving target of malaria, new ways of rapidly processing and using data are required to produce usable information. Portable electronic devices with software applications, collectively known as mHealth, are increasingly used to assist health services and manage patient information. Here we describe the development of an mHealth system, using mobile phones, for data collection and analysis in resource-constrained environments. The system overcomes many of the difficulties presented by other mHealth systems. An asynchronous, Internet connection-independent data collection system, similar to web-based architecture, is proposed. Reporting and advanced statistical and epidemiological analysis, with external data integration, such as environmental datasets, is demonstrated by a pilot assessment of the system in Mozambique. We argue that this technology can provide the entomological and epidemiological information needed for sensible decision-making processes and the development of public health policies regarding malaria control.