The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with Peru’s Ministry of Health, has developed a new digital tool to strengthen vaccination data management in areas with limited internet access. The Offline Immunization Digital Application, known as “Vacuna Offline”, allows health workers to record vaccination data directly at the point of care, even without internet connectivity. Once a connection is available, the information automatically syncs with national health systems, ensuring timely and accurate data for planning and decision-making. The pilot project was implemented in Peru’s cross-border regions of Amazonas, Madre de Dios, and Loreto.
Developed under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) SMART Guidelines interoperability standards, the application represents a milestone in digital health innovation. PAHO officials noted that this tool could serve as a digital public asset and a model for other countries facing similar connectivity challenges across the Americas.
A comparative analysis between traditional paper-based records and the new digital tool revealed that the use of Vacuna Offline reduced the time health personnel spent on data entry by 30%, freeing up more time for direct patient care. The tool also enhances data quality, traceability, and efficiency, which are critical for tracking immunization coverage and improving health outcomes in remote areas.
This initiative is part of the broader project “Digital Innovation for Vaccination, Disease Prevention and Control in Cross-border Indigenous Communities: Amazon-Andean Proposal,” led by PAHO and Peru’s Ministry of Health with strategic and financial support from German Development Cooperation (GIZ). The project seeks to strengthen local health information systems and advance the digital transformation of immunization services in underserved communities.
The success of this pilot demonstrates the potential of digital innovation to enhance the efficiency, coverage, and quality of immunization services. It offers a scalable and adaptable model for other countries in the region aiming to improve vaccination recordkeeping and ensure equitable access to health services in low-connectivity environments.
