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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Dates

2020 - 2022

Geographic scope

Summary

IOM in collaboration with the National TB Institute (NTI), National TB Program (NTP) and Ministry of Health (MoH), developed a designated migration module within the national tuberculosis monitoring system called SIME TB within the project “Enhancing Gender-Sensitive TB Detection, Surveillance, Treatment, and Prevention among Mobile Populations from the Republic of Moldova” funded by the IOM Development Fund The migration module was designed to better to track and monitor tuberculosis among migrants from the Republic of Moldova. A data expert was to assess the existing data resources of the NTP and to develop the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the set-up and roll-out of the migration module in the SIME-TB as well as the migration module itself. Four technical meetings were conducted with the IOM consultant, NTP, and NTI to set all technical aspects. The developed migration module was adjusted following module requirements specifications and was made fully operational in October 2022. The SIME TB migration module is line with IOM/UN data protection principles. IOM also ensured the proper functioning of the migration module by purchasing the IT equipment and software to ensure the secured implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of the migration module. Following the development of the module, two consultants developed training materials and conducted training of trainers (ToTs) on using and processing the data in the migration module in coordination with the data expert who developed the migration module. Two ToTs for TB health providers on using and processing the data in the migration module were held in an online format in Romanian and Russian. In total, 109 TB health providers (27 men and 82 women) that use the SIME TB system, including participants from the Transnistrian region, attended the trainings. In October 2022, IOM organized a Technical Committee meeting among the SIME TB Technical Committee members National TB Institute, NTP, and MoH to present the developed migration module and its specifications. The Technical Committee members continues to monitor the functionality of the migration module after the end of the project.

Organizations

Main Implementing Organization(s)

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Partner/Donor Organizations

Government of Moldova

Benefit and Impact

The introduction of the migration module within the SIME TB system significantly improves the management and tracking of TB data among migrant populations. This leads to more accurate and comprehensive data collection and analysis. The migration module enables more efficient reporting and monitoring of TB cases among migrants, ensuring that this vulnerable group is adequately represented in national TB statistics. By specifically addressing the health needs of migrants, the project ensures that this group has better access to TB diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services, which can lead to improved health outcomes.
The inclusion of a migration module underscores the commitment to upholding the health rights of migrants, ensuring they receive the same level of care and attention as other populations. This initiative helps to reduce health disparities by ensuring that migrants, including irregular migrants and stateless persons, are included in the national TB response.
The purchase of IT equipment and software ensures the secure implementation and monitoring of the migration module, protecting the privacy and data of migrants.
The creation of standard operating procedures for the roll-out and use of the migration module ensures consistent and effective use across the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP).
The migration module was made fully operational in October 2022, marking a significant milestone in the project's timeline and ensuring that the system is ready to support TB management for migrants.
The procurement of necessary IT equipment and software not only facilitated the implementation of the migration module but also ensured its ongoing functionality and maintenance.

Key Lessons

Developing a dedicated migration module within the SIME TB system highlighted the need for tailored data management solutions to address specific populations' health challenges. This ensures comprehensive and inclusive health-care data. The success of the project underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration. The technical meetings between IOM, NTP, and PPI were crucial for aligning goals, sharing expertise, and overcoming technical challenges. Investing in capacity building through hiring a data expert and conducting technical meetings proved essential. It ensured that the staff involved were adequately prepared to implement and utilize the new module effectively. Developing SOPs for the migration module was vital for standardizing processes and ensuring consistency in data management. This step is crucial for the successful integration of new systems into existing frameworks. Ensuring the proper functioning of the migration module required significant investment in IT infrastructure. This highlights the importance of allocating sufficient resources for technology and equipment to support new health initiatives.
The project reinforced the necessity of implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive health data. This is especially critical for vulnerable populations like migrants, who may be at higher risk of data breaches.
Integrating the migration module into the existing SIME TB system demonstrated the need for systematic health policies that cater to all population segments. Such integration ensures sustainability and long-term impact.

The project highlighted the critical need to focus on vulnerable populations in health programs. Addressing the specific health needs of migrants can lead to better health outcomes and more equitable healthcare services.
By incorporating these lessons, future projects can be more effectively designed and implemented, ensuring that health initiatives are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of all population groups.

Recommendations(if the practice is to be replicated)

- Evaluate the specific health needs and challenges faced by migrant populations in your region.
- Identify gaps in the current data management system that a migration module could address.
- Involve key stakeholders, including health authorities, migrant communities, and international organizations, from the beginning.
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities for each stakeholder to ensure smooth collaboration.
- Employ data experts with experience in health data management and familiarity with TB programs.
- Ensure they can design, develop, and implement the migration module effectively.
- Create detailed SOPs to guide the implementation and use of the migration module.
- Ensure these procedures are comprehensive, covering all aspects of data collection, entry, and analysis.
- Allocate sufficient resources for the necessary IT equipment and software to support the migration module.
- Ensure the infrastructure is secure and capable of handling sensitive health data.
- Implement robust security measures to protect migrant data from breaches and unauthorized access.
- Train staff on data privacy regulations and best practices for maintaining confidentiality.
- Conduct regular training sessions for all staff involved in using the migration module.
- Foster an environment of continuous learning and improvement to address any challenges that arise.
- Maintain regular communication and collaboration between all stakeholders.
- Set up a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the module's performance and impact.
- Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions and further refine the system.
- Design the module to be inclusive, ensuring that all migrant populations are represented.
- Advocate for equitable healthcare policies that support the health rights of migrants.

Innovation

The migration module represents a tailored solution designed to capture and manage health data specifically for migrant populations. This targeted approach ensures that the health challenges faced by migrants are accurately recorded and addressed, filling a critical gap in traditional TB data management systems. By integrating the migration module into the existing SIME TB system, the project ensures a seamless flow of data across all modules (patient, laboratory, and drug management). This holistic integration enhances the overall efficiency and comprehensiveness of TB data management, avoiding the need for separate, disjointed systems. The development of the migration module involved collaboration between various stakeholders, including IOM, NTP, and TB Institute. This multi-stakeholder approach leverages diverse expertise and perspectives, fostering innovation through collective problem-solving and shared goals. The migration module was designed to be adaptable, allowing for modifications based on user feedback and evolving requirements. This flexibility ensures that the system can respond to changing needs and integrate new functionalities over time, maintaining its relevance and effectiveness. The migration module enables more precise data collection and analysis for migrant populations, providing valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers. This data-driven approach supports evidence-based decision-making, leading to more effective TB control strategies.
The success of the migration module in the Republic of Moldova serves as a scalable and replicable model that can be adapted for use in other regions and countries facing similar challenges with migrant health data management. This scalability underscores the innovative potential of the project to impact global TB control efforts.
By incorporating these innovative elements, the migration module within the SIME TB system provides a pioneering approach to managing and addressing TB among migrant populations, setting a new standard for inclusive and effective health data management.

Additional Resources

Publication: A gender-focused qualitative study on health care-seeking behaviour and access to tuberculosis treatment among mobile populations from the Republic of Moldova

Date submitted:

28 July 2024

Disclaimer: The content of this practice reflects the views of the implementers and does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations, the United Nations Network on Migration, and its members.