Digital health technologies are increasingly transforming the design, implementation and evaluation of health campaigns such as seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). At the April 2025 Alliance for Malaria Prevention (AMP) campaign digitalisation meeting in Nairobi, a diverse group of stakeholders came together to share lessons, challenges and opportunities for digital solutions and approaches that address common barriers across campaign-based interventions. Stakeholders included Catholic Relief Services, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Gates Foundation, Malaria Consortium, the World Health Organization, and ministries of health and national malaria programmes.
As a member of the meeting steering committee and a global leader in campaign digitalisation, Malaria Consortium sees events like this as a critical platform to present its learnings and exchange knowledge and experience in applying digital tools across campaigns for malaria, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and immunisation, to ultimately achieve better outcomes. The message was clear: digitalisation can no longer be seen as a luxury, but a necessity for running campaigns in an efficient, equitable and resilient manner.
Together with global and national partners, Malaria Consortium attendees explored how digital health can improve the coverage, efficiency and sustainability of SMC and other campaigns.
Key takeaways from the meeting
- Digital tools are essential for successful campaigns
Mobile applications, real-time dashboards and geospatial planning tools are transforming campaign delivery. They enable better data collection, real-time monitoring and more effective use of programme data. These tools are no longer seen as ‘nice-to-have’ add-ons, but as integral components that make programmes work better.
- Integrated platforms and clear guidance drive successful roll-out
Integrated approaches to campaign digitalisation, supported by standardised frameworks, offer a strategic pathway to overcome funding and operational challenges while promoting long-term sustainability. Countries are encouraged to invest in integrated campaign digitalisation strategies and interoperable platforms that are embedded within national health systems. To ensure smooth and timely implementation, clear and practical guidance is essential. Such guidance enables stakeholders to navigate deployment processes effectively, draw on evidence and best practices, and maximise the value of digital interventions.
- Reusing data across campaigns maximises impact
Reusing validated demographic and household-level data across health campaigns — such as malaria, NTDs and immunisation — improves microplanning and campaign implementation by reducing duplication, saving time, enhancing cost-efficiency and enabling data-informed decision-making. Breaking down data siloes across centralised, vertical health programmes allows for smarter use of existing information, ultimately strengthening the impact of malaria control efforts.
- Digital innovation saves costs and drives sustainability
With global health funding under increasing pressure, countries are exploring innovative and affordable campaign digitalisation models, focusing on low-cost and open-source solutions. Approaches such as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), which enables community distributors to use their personal mobile phones for programme delivery, are proving effective. Strategic implementation planning, backed by strong collaboration between governments, partners and the private sector, is essential to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Innovative tools are improving campaign efficiency and data quality
Geospatial microplanning tools, such as QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System), are transforming campaign planning by enhancing accuracy in target estimation and resource allocation. Using QR codes can streamline logistics, while Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), a protocol used by cellular networks to send texts between a mobile phone and an application programme, can expand digital reach even in areas with limited smartphone coverage. In Nigeria, a digital e-token system has replaced paper-based cards used to record delivery of mosquito nets with mobile vouchers sent via mobile devices. This makes distribution more scalable and affordable. New technologies and innovations will continue to emerge and bring further benefits to campaign digitalisation approaches.
Case study: Success from Mozambique
One of the clearest examples of successful campaign digitalisation comes from Mozambique. A recent learning brief published by Malaria Consortium documents the country’s digital journey, highlighting the results, lessons learnt and recommendations of integrating digital tools into national health strategies. Co-developed by the eGovernments Foundation, Malaria Consortium and the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), the open-source DIGIT HCM platform, known as SALAMA locally, fully supported the digitalisation of the 2023/24 SMC campaign in Nampula province, reaching over 1.5 million children.
Mozambique’s success was driven by strong national leadership, early technical coordination and strategic implementation planning. SALAMA eliminated the need for paper-based data collection, while enabling real-time supervision and data-informed decision-making across 23 districts. Pre-campaign investments in device logistics and a multi-level cascade training model with field-based technical support ensured smooth rollout and reliable data submission, even in areas with poor connectivity.
“Campaign digitalisation, whether for SMC or other health programmes, is not just about introducing new technology,” said Liberty Bunce, Senior Digital Health Specialist at Malaria Consortium. “It’s about strengthening national capacity by investing in integrated, government-led platforms, strategies and governance structures, while adopting innovative, cost-effective implementation models to serve communities more effectively and sustainably.”
Malaria Consortium urges national policymakers, implementing partners and funders to invest in nationally led, integrated digital health strategies and interoperable digital platforms supported by clear guidance, coordinated technical assistance and sustainable financing. With the right tools and structures in place, campaign digitalisation can serve as a powerful catalyst for broader health system transformation.
Read more about the challenges and opportunities in seasonal malaria campaign digitalisation in Mozambique.