Unlocking Seamless Surveillance: Exploring the Synergy of GARC’s Tools

In our ongoing mission to combat rabies and enhance global health, it's imperative to leverage the most advanced tools available. The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) understands this need and has developed a suite of surveillance tools designed to seamlessly integrate and maximize their effectiveness. However, many stakeholders may not realize the full potential of these tools when used together. Today, we delve into how GARC's surveillance tools work in concert, empowering users to achieve unparalleled insights and outcomes.

1. Unified User Experience: One of the key strengths of GARC's surveillance tools lies in their versatility. Whether you're a researcher, a public health official, a NGO volunteer or an animal health professional, you can access and utilize all available tools within the same ecosystem.

Alternatively, different users within the same organization can be granted access to specific tools tailored to their roles and responsibilities. For instance, the education team can have access to only the Education Initiative Tracker (EIT) tool, whilst the vaccination team access the Vaccination and Sterilization Tracker (VST) tool – even though both teams are part of the same organization. This flexibility ensures that each stakeholder can leverage the tools most relevant to their objectives while maintaining seamless collaboration across teams by accessing the versatile datasets on one collated dashboard on the Rabies Epidemiological Bulletin.

2. Interchangeable Usage: Imagine a scenario where multiple surveillance activities need to be conducted on the same day. With GARC's suite of tools, this isn't just possible—it's effortless. Users can seamlessly switch between different data collection tools, adapting to evolving surveillance needs without any disruptions. Whether it's monitoring bite cases, conducting dog vaccinations, or tracking rabies outbreaks, GARC's tools empower users to tackle diverse challenges in real-time, ensuring a comprehensive approach to rabies surveillance.

3. Consolidated Access via the GARC App: Gone are the days of juggling multiple platforms and logins. GARC's commitment to user convenience is exemplified through its unified platform—the GARC App. This centralized hub provides easy access to all surveillance tools, streamlining workflows and eliminating the hassle of navigating between disparate systems. By consolidating resources within a single application, GARC enables users to focus their efforts on what truly matters: combating rabies and safeguarding communities.

4. Integrated Outputs for Enhanced Insights: The true power of GARC's surveillance tools lies in their ability to generate actionable insights through integration. Imagine viewing a comprehensive map on the dashboard, where records from various tools are seamlessly overlaid. This feature facilitates a holistic understanding of rabies dynamics, allowing stakeholders to identify correlations, trends, and hotspots with unparalleled clarity. For instance, within the Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM) framework, users can visualize bite cases, dog vaccinations, and rabies incidents on the same map, each represented by distinct colors. This unified view not only enhances situational awareness but also informs targeted interventions, ultimately driving more effective rabies control strategies.

As we continue our collective efforts to eliminate rabies by 2030, let us harness the full potential of GARC's surveillance tools. By leveraging their seamless integration, we can forge ahead with confidence, knowing that every action brings us closer to a world free from the threat of rabies.

If you are interested in using our tools for the first time, or if you are already using some tools and would like to add on more, please contact us.

Together, let's empower communities, protect lives, and pave the way towards a healthier, rabies-free future.

Article by: Terence Scott (Director of Programs), GARC.