P-BIDS Population-Based Integrated Disease Surveillance

Decades of Data.
Immediate Impact.

PBIDS is a long-standing collaboration between KEMRI, CDC, and Washington State University detecting disease threats before they spread.

Advancing Surveillance in Kenya

The Population-Based Integrated Disease Surveillance (PBIDS) platform is Kenya’s frontline defense against emerging health threats. Since 2006, it has provided the "ground truth" on disease burden in both rural (Asembo) and urban (Kibera) settings.

The mandate goes beyond counting cases. PBIDS evaluates vaccines (Rotavirus, PCV10) and tracks antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It has also expanded to Isiolo to monitor zoonotic diseases at the human-animal interface.

3 Key Sites
60k+ Enrolled
20+ Years Data

Our Guiding Principles

PBIDS is built on four pillars that ensure our data translates into effective public health action.

Timeliness

Rapid sharing of findings with authorities to trigger immediate response.

Validity

Rigorous quality control and validated laboratory testing to ensure accuracy.

Confidentiality

Strict data protection using unique identifiers and secure servers.

Cost-Effectiveness

Integrated modular approaches to maximize public health impact.

Our Journey

From a demographic system to a One Health platform.

2001

Foundations (HDSS)

KEMRI and CDC establish the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in rural western Kenya.

HDSS Survey
2006

PBIDS Launch

Launch in Kibera and Asembo to monitor infectious diseases in urban and rural populations.

Kibera Launch
2011 - 2017

Vaccine Impact

Data evaluates the introduction of PCV10 and Rotavirus vaccines, proving effectiveness.

Vaccine Success
2020

COVID-19 Response

The platform pivots to become a sentinel system for SARS-CoV-2, guiding national mitigation measures.

COVID Lab
2024

PBIDS 2.0 & One Health

Expansion to Isiolo to monitor zoonotic diseases and introduction of Environmental Surveillance.

Isiolo

Built on Community Trust

Surveillance is impossible without trust. PBIDS operates with full transparency and active participation.

  • Community Advisory Boards We engage local leaders in Asembo, Kibera, and Isiolo to guide strategies.
  • Feedback Loops We don't just take data; we return results to improve local clinical care.
  • Event-Based Surveillance Using the m-dharura app, community volunteers report unusual events in real-time.