Data Reporting Tools

Joint Application Package System

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using a range of broad-spectrum anthelminthic drugs in public health efforts to control and eliminate major helminth infections through an integrated approach to preventive chemotherapy (PC). This method targets multiple helminth diseases simultaneously, where feasible and epidemiologically justified.

WHO supports the integrated PC implementation by ensuring the availability of essential medicines like diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC), albendazole, mebendazole, praziquantel, and ivermectin for combating diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and onchocerciasis. To aid in the efficient distribution and reporting of these medicines, WHO has introduced a joint mechanism comprising the Joint Request for Selected PC Medicines (JRSM), the Joint Reporting Form (JRF), and the PC Epidemiological Data Reporting Form (EPIRF), streamlining the process for countries to request medicines, report annual progress, and submit epidemiological data.

Countries must submit their medicine requests and progress reports through the JAP, including signed and scanned copies of JRSM and JRF, along with the full Excel files of JRSM, JRF, and EPIRF. Key guidelines include updating the JRF after each mass drug administration (MDA) round and submitting it by 31 March of the following year, requesting medicines at least 9 months before the planned MDA date, and annually submitting the EPIRF. The approval of JRSM is contingent upon the final JRF submission, with any deviations from the plan requiring detailed explanations in the JRF.

JAP Upload tool: online supervised JAP Submission Tool

For many years, the primary method for sharing data between national NTD programs and the World Health Organization (WHO) was through email. This included the processes of data submission, review, and validation. However, this method presented significant challenges in terms of transparency. It was difficult for various stakeholders involved – including health ministries, implementing partners, donors, pharmaceutical companies providing drug donations, and different levels of WHO (country offices, regional offices, and headquarters) – to track the progress and status of data submissions and their reviews.

To overcome these challenges, the Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) introduced an innovative online tool in 2019 for the submission of data files. This tool was designed to increase transparency and improve collaboration among all partners engaged in the battle against NTDs. The effectiveness of this tool was evident in 2022, as it was utilized by 25 countries to submit at least one Joint Application Package (JAP) form, demonstrating its growing adoption and utility in the global effort to combat NTDs.

Based on the feedback from users, ESPEN further enhanced this tool by developing a more user-friendly interface, which was launched in February 2023.

JAP Search tool

This advanced query tool offers a user-friendly platform for navigating through the vast array of submitted JAP reports, providing a seamless experience in tracking and accessing critical data.

Key Features of the JAP Search Tool:

  • Effortless Navigation: The JAP Search Tool simplifies the process of locating specific JAP reports. Users can easily filter and search through submissions, making the retrieval of required documents both quick and efficient.

  • Real-Time Status Updates: Stay informed with up-to-the-minute updates on the status of each submitted JAP form. The tool provides a clear overview, indicating whether a report is under review, validated, or approved, ensuring all parties are aligned and informed at every stage.

  • Comprehensive Report Retrieval: Accessing completed, validated, and approved JAP reports has never been easier. The tool allows users to retrieve these documents promptly, facilitating a smoother review and approval process.

  • Collaborative Oversight: Designed to cater to the needs of various stakeholders – including ministries of health, implementing partners, donors, and WHO entities – the JAP Search Tool fosters a collaborative environment. By granting all parties involved in the JAP review process easy access to vital information, the tool enhances transparency and cooperation.