Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) is a statistically sound methodology used by health program managers to evaluate the quality or performance of services in specific catchment areas. While traditionally paper-based, the need for faster results has led to a digital evolution. In a collaborative effort, Ginger & Bluesquare lead the implementation of a specialized digital LQAS tool built on IASO.
In today’s fast-paced public health and development campaigns, knowing the real impact on the ground is critical. Independent monitoring provides objective verification of campaign quality beyond self-reported data, identifying coverage gaps to ensure no community or demographic is left behind. By offering transparent reporting, it builds confidence for donors, partners, and governments while enabling timely corrective actions that help campaigns achieve maximum impact. Furthermore, it allows for better resource allocation, driving improved coverage and operational efficiency. Ultimately, independent monitoring is essential for campaigns that aim for measurable success.
LQAS map overview
The digital LQAS tool is designed to provide rapid, reliable, and actionable data during critical public health interventions, such as vaccination campaigns or routine immunization monitoring. By moving away from manual data entry, health teams can identify the effective impact on the ground in real time.
The core strength of the tool lies in its ability to transform field observations into immediate insights. Working as the technical partner, Bluesquare supports Ginger in deploying a system where supervisors collect data on mobile devices, offering a seamless workflow from the field to the office:
Sampling design
To ensure the highest standards of independent monitoring, the tool integrates advanced georeferencing features. This technical support allows Ginger to verify that surveys are conducted in the correct geographic locations, providing an extra layer of transparency and accountability for health authorities.
The LQAS module is fully integrated into IASO, a powerful open-source platform specifically designed for low- and middle-income settings with robust offline capabilities and advanced geospatial features. By combining data collection and geography into a single ecosystem, the platform allows for the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of campaigns through geospatial intelligence, supported by a scalable technical stack including an ODK form engine and PostGIS databases.
Its proven impact is reflected in its use by over 140,000 mobile users across 14 countries and 230 GPEI campaigns. The system’s four core components—geospatial data management, data collection configuration, task planning, and entity tracking—enable Ginger to ensure that LQAS is more than just a sampling tool, but rather a comprehensive and intelligent monitoring ecosystem.
The effectiveness of this digital approach was recently demonstrated through a pilot project in Cameroon. This initiative aimed to modernize the monitoring of routine immunization services.
Stakeholders training
In the Cameroon pilot, field agents used the digital tool to assess vaccination coverage across various health districts. The technical framework provided by Bluesquare ensured that the large volumes of data collected were securely synchronized and accurately visualized for decision-makers. This collaboration reduced the time typically required for data cleaning and reporting, proving that digitalization can significantly streamline health system strengthening efforts.
Team assignments
A key outcome of the Cameroon project was the empowerment of district health officers through clear, visual data. By providing intuitive dashboards, the technical solution helps local health leaders make evidence-based decisions. This ensures that resources are directed precisely where they are needed most, ultimately contributing to more resilient health systems.
