Full Text Available
Note: Clicking the button above will open the full text document at the original institutional repository in a new window.
Towards an implementation framework for e-syndromic disease surveillance systems in low resource settings: The case of Zimbabwe
Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2026.
Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2026
|
| Tags: |
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1867613920372457472 |
|---|---|
| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Chikotie, Taurai Togarepi Togarepi |
| author2 | Watson, Bruce |
| author_browse | Chikotie, Taurai Togarepi Togarepi Watson, Bruce |
| author_facet | Watson, Bruce Chikotie, Taurai Togarepi Togarepi |
| author_sort | Chikotie, Taurai Togarepi Togarepi |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/135684 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:43:48.768Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/135684 Towards an implementation framework for e-syndromic disease surveillance systems in low resource settings: The case of Zimbabwe Chikotie, Taurai Togarepi Togarepi Watson, Bruce Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science. Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. Chikotie, T. T. T. 2026. Towards an implementation framework for e-syndromic disease surveillance systems in low resource settings: The case of Zimbabwe. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/738ddc8f-fe87-4977-903c-6a6a57c9c2c4 Infectious diseases remain a major public health challenge globally, particularly in low-resource settings where inadequate infrastructure and governance inefficiencies hinder effective disease surveillance and response. Zimbabwe frequently experiences outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and typhoid, exacerbated by fragmented public health surveillance systems and the absence of a real-time, data-driven approach for early outbreak detection. Despite advancements in digital health, no structured efforts have been documented to model or implement an electronic syndromic disease surveillance system (eSDSS) within Zimbabwe’s public health sector. This study addressed this gap by developing an implementation framework for an eSDSS tailored to Zimbabwe’s unique health ecosystem, accounting for both systemic constraints and technological opportunities. Grounded in Critical Realism and guided by Adaptive Structuration Theory, Systems Thinking, and the International Disease Surveillance and Response Framework, the study examined the complex socio-technical interactions shaping disease surveillance in Zimbabwe. Using a qualitative approach grounded in Dynamic Synthesis Methodology, the findings highlight that balancing socio-technical demands is crucial for developing a robust, scalable, and contextually relevant eSDSS. Key determinants of success include political will, coherent legislative and regulatory frameworks, sustainable investment in digital health, community participation, multi-stakeholder engagement, adherence to data governance principles, health intelligence, and data security among others. This study made significant theoretical, methodological, and practical contributions. Theoretically, it advanced the application of Systems Thinking and Adaptive Structuration Theory in digital health governance, offering insights into the interdependencies between policy, technology, and stakeholders. Methodologically, it employed causal loop dynamics (CLD) to model eSDSS implementation challenges and opportunities, providing a novel approach to understanding surveillance system integration in low-resource settings. Practically, it delivered an evidence-based implementation frame-work to guide policymakers, public health officials, and technology developers in designing and deploying an effective eSDSS in Zimbabwe. By addressing critical governance, socio-technical, and infrastructural barriers, this research enhances Zimbabwe’s public health preparedness, strengthens early outbreak detection capabilities and improves overall health system resilience. The findings offer a strategic roadmap for leveraging digital health solutions to transform disease surveillance and response, ensuring more proactive and data-driven public health interventions in Zimbabwe and similar low-resource settings. Doctoral 2026-04-08T05:48:47Z 2026-04-08T05:48:47Z 2026-03 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/135684 en Stellenbosch University 250 pages : ill. application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Chikotie, Taurai Togarepi Togarepi Towards an implementation framework for e-syndromic disease surveillance systems in low resource settings: The case of Zimbabwe |
| title | Towards an implementation framework for e-syndromic disease surveillance systems in low resource settings: The case of Zimbabwe |
| title_full | Towards an implementation framework for e-syndromic disease surveillance systems in low resource settings: The case of Zimbabwe |
| title_fullStr | Towards an implementation framework for e-syndromic disease surveillance systems in low resource settings: The case of Zimbabwe |
| title_full_unstemmed | Towards an implementation framework for e-syndromic disease surveillance systems in low resource settings: The case of Zimbabwe |
| title_short | Towards an implementation framework for e-syndromic disease surveillance systems in low resource settings: The case of Zimbabwe |
| title_sort | towards an implementation framework for e syndromic disease surveillance systems in low resource settings the case of zimbabwe |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/135684 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT chikotietauraitogarepitogarepi towardsanimplementationframeworkforesyndromicdiseasesurveillancesystemsinlowresourcesettingsthecaseofzimbabwe |