As Sabah continues to reach every child with life-saving vaccines, strong and reliable data systems remain critical to ensuring no one is left behind, including children of migrant and undocumented populations, thereby reducing the potential of vaccine preventable disease outbreaks affecting Sabah State and the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore through the implementation of the Measles and Rubella immunization project collaborated with the Sabah State Health Department to strengthen immunization data management in the State through the provision of essential IT equipment. This support was designed to enable real-time data collection by field health staff and to strengthen longer-term immunization data systems beyond the project period.
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Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore presents essential IT equipment to YBrs. Dr William Gotulis, Director of the Sabah State Health Department to strengthen real-time immunization data systems
IT equipment including 63 desktops and 15 laptops, along with software support and antiviral packages, were provided to districts involved in the MR vaccination programme, in Sabah. The WHO played a key role in coordinating and overseeing the procurement process, working with approved suppliers, ensuring compliance with WHO procurement policies and facilitating the timely delivery of the equipment.
“Robust data systems form the foundation of strong immunization programmes and equip health workers with timely information to continue their important work on the ground,” said Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. “By strengthening real-time data management through investments to MYVAS, we are supporting primary care health teams in Sabah to better track, follow up and protect every child, including those who are often the hardest to reach.”
Enabling real-time data for better follow-up
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Representatives from the Sabah State Health Department and WHO discuss how strengthened digital tools can support outreach and help reach children who are often missed
The IT equipment significantly strengthened real-time data management for immunization programme implementation in Sabah. With access to laptops, desktops, connectivity tools and essential software, vaccination teams were able to record, verify and upload immunization data promptly even in remote settings with variable network access.
This led to improvements in the accuracy, timeliness and completeness of immunization records across all eight participating districts. More importantly, the strengthened digital tools enabled district health teams to better monitor outreach sessions, identify children who had missed doses earlier and improve follow-up mechanisms for migrant and undocumented populations.
“By strengthening Sabah’s immunization systems with WHO, we are safeguarding today’s children and future generations,” said Dr. Suhaila Binti Osman, Public Health Medicine Consultant, Sabah State Health Department.
Building capacity beyond the project
While the equipment directly supported the MR vaccination programme, its impact extends beyond a single campaign. The strengthened digital infrastructure now supports the Sabah State Health Department’s broader immunization data management capacity and to track newborns and children in line with Malaysia’s National Immunization Schedule.
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The collaboration between WHO and the Sabah State Health Department strengthens Sabah’s immunization systems beyond a single campaign
By reinforcing systems that allow health teams to identify, reach and continue vaccinating previously unreached children, this digital support contributes to more resilient immunization services in Sabah and supports sustained efforts to protect every child from vaccine-preventable diseases.