Improving Communities Epidemiological Surveillance System in Paraguay through Information and Communication Technologies

The developed and Implemented BONIS system is a surveillance system based on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) that has been developed to support the National Epidemiological Surveillance System in Paraguay by promoting community involvement in syndromic surveillance. It has been implemented in a primary health care unit named Center for Mutual Aid Association Health for All, (CAMSAT in Spanish), located in a marginal zone of Asuncion on the banks of the Paraguay River and it is monitored by the National Centre for Health Surveillance (DGVS) of the Ministry of Public Health (MSPBS). BONIS system allows also that geographically isolated communities such as the Paraguayan Chaco can be integrated without delays into the National Epidemiological Surveillance System. The aim of this study is to report preliminary results and experiences after implementation of this new strategy through ICT to improve the community epidemiological surveillance system in