KidGuard: A Digital Immunization Hub for Rural Health Units


Authors : Ma. Rica Mae R. Fajardo; Jane Marie M. Matalote; Chelsie N. Quizon; Dionalyn Mae G. Galang; Jim M. Gonzales; Jodell R. Bulaclac

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 9 - September


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/33m83h4p

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mt7kcfz2

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25sep1351

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Abstract : Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, yet gaps in coverage persist due to systemic inefficiencies in record-keeping, communication, and monitoring. In rural health units (RHUs) in the Philippines, reliance on paper-based immunization registries hinders timely reporting and contributes to missed vaccinations. This study describes the design, development, and evaluation of KidGuard, a digital vaccination and information hub tailored for the Peñaranda RHU in Nueva Ecija. Guided by the Design and Development Research (DDR) framework and implemented through Agile Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), KidGuard was built with core features including electronic child vaccination records, automated SMS reminders, and simplified reporting tools. System evaluation was conducted among RHU staff and parents using an ISO/IEC 25010-based instrument. Results indicate substantial improvements compared to the manual system, with highest gains in report generation speed (+3.5), transferability of records (+3.2), and communication of schedules (+2.6). Overall, KidGuard scored within the Agree to Strongly Agree range across all eight quality dimensions, with functionality (4.7) and usability (4.6) receiving the highest ratings. The findings affirm that a localized digital immunization hub can address persistent challenges in rural health service delivery. By enhancing efficiency, reliability, and communication, KidGuard not only strengthens the RHU’s immunization program but also aligns with national efforts such as DigiVacc and global agendas like Immunization Agenda 2030. Future work should explore interoperability with national health platforms and expansion into broader maternal and child health tracking.

Keywords : Immunization; Digital Health; Kidguard; Rural Health Unit; Design And Development Research; Agile SDLC.

References :

  1. WHO. (2025). Immunization coverage — Key facts (updated 2025). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/immunization-coverage
  2. WHO/UNICEF. (2023). The Big Catch-Up: A global effort to boost immunization. World Health Organization.
  3. Immunization Agenda 2030. (2024). IA2030 Global Report 2023. World Health Organization. https://www.immunizationagenda2030.org/
  4. UNICEF Philippines. (2024, October 24). Philippines no longer in the top 5 list of unvaccinated children. UNICEF.
  5. Corpuz, J. C. G. (2024). Routine immunization for children in the Philippines: Challenges and opportunities. Therapeutic Advances in Vaccines and Immunotherapy, 12, 25151355241242804. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39044998/
  6. UNICEF Philippines. (2025, August 1). Department of Health, UNICEF, and the Government of Japan launch digital immunization system for children in the Philippines. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/philippines/press-releases/department-health-unicef-and-government-japan-launch-digital-immunization-system
  7. Vann, J. C. J., Jacobson Vann, J. C., Jacobson, R. M., Coyne-Beasley, T., Asafu-Adjei, J. K., & Szilagyi, P. G. (2018). Patient reminder and recall interventions to improve immunization rates. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1(CD003941). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003941.pub3
  8. Secor, A.H, et.al. Wilcox, L., Sood, S., & Bahl, R. (2022). Added value of electronic immunization registries in low- and middle-income countries. JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, 8(1), e32455. https://doi.org/10.2196/32455
  9. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2022). Evidence review for reminders interventions to increase the uptake of routine vaccines. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK581886/
  10. PATH. (2022). Introducing digital immunization information systems: Exchange and learning from Vietnam. PATH. "https://www.path.org/our-impact/resources/ideal-vietnam-project-case-study-mobile-network-operator-partnerships-action-health/
  11. ISO. (2011). ISO/IEC 25010:2011—Systems and software engineering—Systems and software Quality Requirements and Evaluation (SQuaRE)—System and software quality models. International Organization for Standardization. https://www.iso.org/standard/35733.html
  12. Cruz, J. C., & Dela Cruz, A. M. (2021). Software quality evaluation of a hospital information system using ISO/IEC 25010. Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development, 25(2), 45–56.
  13. Kokol, P. (2022). Agile software development in healthcare: A synthetic scoping review. Applied Sciences, 12(19), 9462. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12199462
  14. Richey, R. C., & Klein, J. D. (2007). Design and development research: Methods, strategies, and issues. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203826034
  15. Philippine Statistics Authority. (2020). Census of population and housing 2020. https://psa.gov.ph/content/2020-census-population-and-housing.

Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, yet gaps in coverage persist due to systemic inefficiencies in record-keeping, communication, and monitoring. In rural health units (RHUs) in the Philippines, reliance on paper-based immunization registries hinders timely reporting and contributes to missed vaccinations. This study describes the design, development, and evaluation of KidGuard, a digital vaccination and information hub tailored for the Peñaranda RHU in Nueva Ecija. Guided by the Design and Development Research (DDR) framework and implemented through Agile Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), KidGuard was built with core features including electronic child vaccination records, automated SMS reminders, and simplified reporting tools. System evaluation was conducted among RHU staff and parents using an ISO/IEC 25010-based instrument. Results indicate substantial improvements compared to the manual system, with highest gains in report generation speed (+3.5), transferability of records (+3.2), and communication of schedules (+2.6). Overall, KidGuard scored within the Agree to Strongly Agree range across all eight quality dimensions, with functionality (4.7) and usability (4.6) receiving the highest ratings. The findings affirm that a localized digital immunization hub can address persistent challenges in rural health service delivery. By enhancing efficiency, reliability, and communication, KidGuard not only strengthens the RHU’s immunization program but also aligns with national efforts such as DigiVacc and global agendas like Immunization Agenda 2030. Future work should explore interoperability with national health platforms and expansion into broader maternal and child health tracking.

Keywords : Immunization; Digital Health; Kidguard; Rural Health Unit; Design And Development Research; Agile SDLC.

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31 - December - 2025

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