FROM IMMUNIZATION RECORDS TO INTELLIGENT SURVEILLANCE: EMERGING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR VACCINATION PROGRAMS AND POLIO ERADICATION

Abstract

While polio eradication is one of the boldest global public health programmes ever, the ongoing transmission of polio in highly susceptible areas, population mobility, vaccine hesitancy, and the lack of integrated surveillance continue to pose ongoing challenges for polio eradication. There have been recent advances in digital health technology that have enabled the transformation of vaccination program management through the use of smart, data-driven decision-support platforms and the monitoring of disease outbreaks.  In this review, we have brought together the available information on the current conditions of emerging digital technology in support of vaccination programs and polio surveillance such as electronic immunization registries, mobile health applications, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and real-time disease monitoring platforms. A systematic literature review shows that the use of digital tools can greatly improve vaccination coverage assessment, outbreak detection, risk mapping, detection sensitivity, and resource allocation. The use of AI/ML-based models enhances predictive analytics to reach high-risk populations and predict disease transmission patterns. At the same time, GIS-supported systems enable targeted vaccination and quick-response interventions. The use of mobile and cloud-based platforms has improved data collection, reporting, and data accuracy, as well as communication between healthcare professionals and public health authorities. Finally, combining environmental surveillance with digital surveillance has strengthened the ability to detect poliovirus in communities without routine monitoring. The review provides a conceptual roadmap for integrating digital vaccination data, intelligent surveillance, and predictive analytics in the context of new polio eradication approaches. While there have been significant advances, significant barriers to implementation include data quality and interoperability, cybersecurity, infrastructure constraints, and ethical governance. As we advance, we should emphasize integrated digital ecosystems, multi-sector partnerships, and equitable technology uptake to accelerate progress toward sustainable polio eradication and resilient immunization systems worldwide.