Choosing the Right Disease Tracking Software for Infectious Disease Programs

When fighting infectious diseases, speedy, accurate data can save lives. From tracking HIV and TB to containing new outbreaks like Ebola or COVID-19, global health programs need reliable software to spot trends early, coordinate responses, and prevent spread.

Utilising the right disease tracking software can enhance surveillance and case management, from understaffed rural clinics to high-priority emergencies. This article examines the key factors to consider when selecting a platform, as well as a comparison of trusted tools used globally.

What to Look for in a Disease Tracking Tool

Effective disease tracking software should offer:

• Instant or near-instant case logging and outbreak notifications
• Offline functionality for rural or remote settings
• Mobile data collection compatibility
• Seamless integration with national health systems or existing platforms
• Data security and regulatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
• Custom dashboards and reporting to support fast decision-making

These core features help ensure programs stay agile, accurate, and responsive under pressure.

Recommended Software Options

DHIS2
A widely adopted, open-source platform used by national governments and large global health programs. It supports real-time surveillance, integrates with mobile tools, and offers customizable analytics dashboards. Best for health ministries and national-scale implementations.

SORMAS
SORMAS, short for Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System, is specifically designed for outbreak response. It includes case and contact management, early warning alerts, and cross-border coordination tools. Ideal for public health authorities responding to epidemics.

Go.Data
Developed by the WHO, Go.Data is designed for outbreak investigations. It offers powerful visualization, case linkage, and transmission chain tracking. A strong fit for health organizations managing acute epidemics and contact tracing efforts.

CommCare
A mobile-first disease tracking software used across HIV, TB, and malaria programs. It works offline, supports longitudinal patient tracking, and integrates with existing national health systems. Ideal for NGOs and global health teams operating in low-connectivity environments.

Epi Info
Created by the CDC, Epi Info is a free tool for data entry and fundamental epidemiological analysis. It’s best suited for small-scale studies, health departments, or rapid response teams working with limited resources.

Tool	Offline?	Best For	Cost
DHIS2	🗹	National programs	Free/Open
SORMAS	🗹	Government agencies	Free
Go.Data	🗹	Outbreak investigations	Free
CommCare	🗹	NGOs, remote health	Free/Paid
Epi Info	☒	Small-scale projects	Free

How to Choose the Right One

When comparing disease tracking software tools, consider your local context:

• Does your region have reliable internet, or will offline access be essential?
• Are you handling sensitive patient data that requires strict security protocols?
• Will frontline teams require training, or will the tool provide support?
• Is your program community-level, regional, or national in scale?

Starting with a pilot can help ensure the tool is a good fit before scaling up.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right software is crucial, especially when healthcare systems face urgent or unpredictable threats. The ideal solution strikes a balance between usability, security, and adaptability, helping programs act quickly while maintaining data quality and compliance.

By testing tools in context and aligning them with your team’s capacity and goals, you’ll be better equipped to protect communities, respond to outbreaks, and build more resilient health systems.