Tropical Data
This large-scale project uses smartphone technology to gather data as part of the global fight to eliminate trachoma.
Tropical Data is a data-collection initiative that helps countries carry out surveys as they work towards eliminating trachoma.
It uses the same approach and technology as the Global Trachoma Mapping Project. Thanks to the two projects, on average one person has been examined for trachoma every 26 seconds since 2012. And since Tropical Data began in 2016, the initiative has supported ministries of health to conduct more than 2,400 surveys, examining 7.6 million people in more than 46 countries.
Working in some of the most remote and difficult environments, the service helps countries to collect high-quality, standardised data, and there are plans to extend the service to support other neglected tropical diseases.
The Tropical Data website
The main website contains further information and resources, and enables programmes to request a survey and manage their data.
Visit tropicaldata.orgWatch the video below to find out more
How does the project work?
Smartphone technology is just one aspect of the service. Data is sent from the field to the secure cloud-based server, where a data team works with health ministry staff to clean, analyse and approve the data, much faster than previous paper-based surveys. The service also provides epidemiological support to countries to develop their surveys, and a globally standardised training system.
With the evidence generated by the Tropical Data project, ministries of health are able to pinpoint exactly where to run trachoma treatment programmes and offer life-changing support. It also highlights where treatment programmes are no longer needed because interventions have been a success. Crucially, this helps countries gather evidence for the World Health Organization to show where they are free from the disease, so trachoma elimination can be declared.
Tropical Data is run by a consortium of partners including the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI), the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, RTI International and Sightsavers. It is made possible thanks to the support of governments in endemic countries, plus UK aid, USAID and The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.
The impact of trachoma
Sister Habiba’s story
Sister Habiba Shemsu, an eye care worker in south-west Ethiopia, often walks eight hours to reach her patients so she can treat them.
Read Sister Habiba’s story
Hibret’s story
Hibret was devastated to learn she had passed trachoma to her children. But Sightsavers helped to treat Hibret and her family and save their sight.
Read Hibret’s story
Rahel’s story
For five years, 18-year-old Rahel was in constant discomfort and fearful of bright light. After her trachoma operation, she is able to study again.
Read Rahel’s story
Visit the Tropical Data website for more details
Visit tropicaldata.orgMore on Tropical Data
Global Trachoma Mapping Project inspires tropical data initiative
The Global Trachoma Mapping Project has come to an end after seeing hundreds of surveyors collect and transmit data from 2.6 million people in 29 countries.
WHO launches new Tropical Data initiative to build on GTMP success
The World Health Organization today launched its Tropical Data initiative to build on the successful Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP).
Combatting trachoma with a mobile phone
Mobile phones are being used to help eliminate blinding trachoma in Mali. Take a look at our mHealth project in action.
