WIISE - WHO Immunization Information System

Two years ago, a revolutionary electronic system was launched to collect immunization data from around the globe. This system, known as the Electronic Joint Reporting Form on Immunization (eJRF), has had a profound impact on the world of public health.

The electronic Joint Reporting Form on Immunization (eJRF) is an online immunization data collection portal open to all Member States, Reporting Entities, and Associate Members.

A little bit of the story

Since 1998, WHO and UNICEF have jointly collected data on immunization on an annual basis. It began as a word document, then moved to an excel tool. This was the Joint Reporting Form (JRF). Since 2019, as part of the digital strategy, the WHO, PAHO, UNICEF, and partners have worked together to create a secure digital tool. In the first days of January 2020 the eJRF was created.

Creation of the tool

The eJRF was piloted by twelve countries in 2020 and launched globally in 2021. This was a real challenge due to the deep impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. Face-to-face trainings could not be conducted as planned, and countries were busy with outbreak response. It was a great risk to propose a change 20 years of reporting habits during this period…Luckily, we did not fear the challenge, nor did the countries!

Several actions were taken to explain the digital tool to the targeted audience such as sessions to provide clear and concise instructions. This was supported with visual aids, including guides and videos, to help explain the tool's features and functions, providing examples of how the tool can be used to help users understand its practical applications. Additionally, a robust support model was in place in case users had questions or needed additional assistance.

The eJRF today

With the launch of the eJRF, countries can easily enter immunization data through the application directly into a secure, centralized database, facilitating its validation and management. These data are analyzed and published in the WHO Immunization Data Portal, providing countries and interested party insights into immunization rates and trends.

Thanks to the eJRF, the user experience has improved, with faster and more secure data transmission, resulting in more accurate immunization data for everyone. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2022, 96% of the WHO Member States submitted their immunization programme performance data through the eJRF portal.

As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the launch of eJRF, we can look back with pride at the progress that has been made. Simultaneously, we look forward with optimism to the years ahead, thanks to this innovative and game-changing system.

Two years ago, a revolutionary electronic system was launched to collect immunization data from around the globe. This system, known as the Electronic Joint Reporting Form on Immunization (eJRF), has had a profound impact on the world of public health.

The electronic Joint Reporting Form on Immunization (eJRF) is an online immunization data collection portal open to all Member States, Reporting Entities, and Associate Members.

A little bit of the story

Since 1998, WHO and UNICEF have jointly collected data on immunization on an annual basis. It began as a word document, then moved to an excel tool. This was the Joint Reporting Form (JRF). Since 2019, as part of the digital strategy, the WHO, PAHO, UNICEF, and partners have worked together to create a secure digital tool. In the first days of January 2020 the eJRF was created.

Creation of the tool

The eJRF was piloted by twelve countries in 2020 and launched globally in 2021. This was a real challenge due to the deep impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. Face-to-face trainings could not be conducted as planned, and countries were busy with outbreak response. It was a great risk to propose a change 20 years of reporting habits during this period…Luckily, we did not fear the challenge, nor did the countries!

Several actions were taken to explain the digital tool to the targeted audience such as sessions to provide clear and concise instructions. This was supported with visual aids, including guides and videos, to help explain the tool's features and functions, providing examples of how the tool can be used to help users understand its practical applications. Additionally, a robust support model was in place in case users had questions or needed additional assistance.

The eJRF today

With the launch of the eJRF, countries can easily enter immunization data through the application directly into a secure, centralized database, facilitating its validation and management. These data are analyzed and published in the WHO Immunization Data Portal, providing countries and interested party insights into immunization rates and trends.

Thanks to the eJRF, the user experience has improved, with faster and more secure data transmission, resulting in more accurate immunization data for everyone. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2022, 96% of the WHO Member States submitted their immunization programme performance data through the eJRF portal.

As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the launch of eJRF, we can look back with pride at the progress that has been made. Simultaneously, we look forward with optimism to the years ahead, thanks to this innovative and game-changing system.