Here’s how the NICD compiles Covid-19 data

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has been a trusted source for tracking trends and statistics in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As concerns arise about the validity of the data being reported, Professor Adrian Puren, the Acting Executive Director at NICD, joined CNBC Africa to shed light on how the data is compiled. The process of compiling Covid-19 data begins with a consistent relationship with the numbers of infections, recoveries, and other related information. These numbers are a reflection of the tests conducted by laboratories. Information from both public and private sectors is entered into laboratory information systems, which then feed into a central repository for analysis. The data is collated, looking at various factors such as distribution across the country, positivity rate, age, and gender. Professor Puren emphasized the importance of including antigen testing along with PCR tests in the data analysis. While antigen testing may have reporting delays, efforts are made to ensure as close to 100% data reporting for each day. Reconciliation processes help in resolving any discrepancies or missing details, maintaining the accuracy of the data reported. The NICD stores the data in a secure data warehouse linked to various systems for analysis. Data recovery plans and duplication measures are in place to safeguard the information. The data collection process aligns with international standards, with protocols in place for governance, secure data handling, and compliance. Professor Puren reassured that the data collected follows stringent standards to ensure accuracy and reliability. By providing a transparent overview of the data compilation process, NICD aims to address any concerns regarding the validity of Covid-19 data.