FAO launches enhanced EMA-i: empowering real-time animal disease reporting

FAO has released EMA-i+, an upgraded version of its Event Mobile App (EMA-i), now available as a free Android mobile application within the FAO Early Warning System package. Developed to facilitate the reporting of animal diseases in real time and support the capabilities of veterinary services, this multilingual tool improves the quantity and quality of reports by generating standardized forms for suspected disease threats. 

EMA-i+ redefines the process of data collection, management, analysis, and reporting, elevating national disease surveillance systems. By providing an electronic system, it facilitates a seamless and efficient approach, strengthening collaboration between field workers and management. 

A standout feature of the app lies in enabling faster and more precise communication between farmers, communities, veterinary services, and decision-makers. This seamless exchange fosters better health care responses, ensuring timely interventions during disease outbreaks. 

EMA-i+ contributes to disease prevention by fostering increased awareness and enabling the sharing of critical data on ongoing suspected diseases within users’ local communities. This proactive approach helps curb disease spread by facilitating swift communication and data sharing among stakeholders. 

This enhanced version of EMA-i introduces an array of advanced features that position it as a powerhouse for streamlined operations in disease reporting and management. 

Key advancements

• Interoperability and database integration: EMA-i+ strides ahead with a focus on interoperability, fostering seamless integration with systems like DHIS2, SILAB, Afyadata, and LIMS. The introduction of a designated official unique identifier (UNFAO-TGO-4016) facilitates cross-interaction with diverse official and non-official databases, ensuring comprehensive data access.
• Enhanced user interface and functionality: This version brings forth an upgraded user interface, striking a balance between training and official use. With enhanced user-friendliness, it accommodates diverse user needs and varying proficiency levels. The flexible extended roles and permissions align with the One Health approach, supporting the transition to multi-level community-based surveillance.
• Expanded functionality for efficient reporting: Users now enjoy expanded functionalities such as photo uploads directly from the gallery and swift event uploads through BulkUpload, enhancing the efficiency of data submission. The ability to export reports or share data access links ensures seamless collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders.
• Customizable forms and comprehensive analysis: EMA-i+ introduces customizable forms catering to internal admin units and diverse reporting needs. It integrates an automated dashboard providing comprehensive statistics categorized by workspace, segment, and status. Visual representations via histograms, diagrams, and pie charts offer deeper insights for informed decision-making.
• Ongoing development and educational sessions: Continual enhancements are underway, integrating the GLEWS+ maps model for comprehensive coverage. To ensure comprehensive understanding, FAO recently organized informational sessions in English and French, engaging participants to explore the application's capabilities thoroughly.

EMA-i+ stands as a robust solution designed to empower veterinary services, communities, and decision-makers in curbing the spread of animal diseases. By embracing this enhanced tool, stakeholders can actively contribute to not just mitigating the spread of diseases but also fostering a collaborative environment for more effective disease management and prevention.

About EMA-i 

To date, EMA-i has been successfully implemented in 17 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Liberia, Mali, Malawi, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Iraq, Mozambique, Togo, and Gambia). With over 3,860 users, the application has facilitated the reporting and secure storage of more than 35,545 disease events in EMPRES-i. The comprehensive impact extends to 29 training workshops, 16 initial implementations using the Training of Trainers (TOT) approach, and 13 scaling-up workshops.

The webinar recording is available in English and French.