In the face of increasingly complex global health threats, timely and accurate data collection is essential for effective outbreak response. For years, epidemiologists relied on paper-based systems to track and analyze critical data, such as case numbers and contact information. This manual process often led to delays in decision-making, leaving field teams with outdated information and hindering swift action.

To address these and other challenges experienced by field teams, the WHO and GOARN partners developed Go.Data, a digital tool launched in 2019. Designed to streamline the management of case investigations and contact tracing, Go.Data allows for real-time data entry, even in environments with low or no connectivity. The tool provides more integrated and standardized data sets, real-time analyses to guide field operations, and various features to better organize and monitor contact tracing efforts. By shifting from paper-based systems to digital tools like Go.Data significantly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of outbreak management, improving decision-making and response times.

Since Go.Data’s first implementation in response to an outbreak of diphtheria in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh in 2019, the tool has been deployed across various countries and health systems in support of numerous outbreak responses. This has contributed to improved outbreak management by ensuring that data is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to field teams in real-time.

Recognizing its success and growing demand, Go.Data transitioned to an open-source solution in April 2024, allowing countries and institutions to further tailor it to their local contexts. This transition enhances country ownership, facilitates integration with national surveillance systems, and improves overall outbreak management capabilities.

As a powerful tool in the global health emergency response toolkit, Go.Data empowers nations to respond proactively to health crises. By improving data collection, case management, and contact tracing, it strengthens public health infrastructure, enhancing preparedness and response efforts worldwide. The global adoption of Go.Data ensures that health systems are better equipped to manage outbreaks, ultimately improving global health outcomes.