Challenge:

Jamaica and the Caribbean region are frequently affected by outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as Chikungunya, Dengue, yellow fever, and Zika, as well as respiratory viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The University of the West Indies (UWI) plays a crucial role in monitoring these diseases through its National Influenza Center, but the region faces challenges in data management, analysis, and sharing among researchers. The growing need for real-time surveillance, cross-institution collaboration, and advanced data analysis required a scalable, secure, and accessible IT solution to support viral surveillance and research efforts.

Solution:

CTIS was selected as the cloud implementation partner to support the collaboration between SUNY Buffalo and UWI, expanding their viral surveillance program. Led by Dr. Gene Morse (SUNY Buffalo) and Dr. John Lindo (UWI), this initiative is backed by NIH’s Fogarty International Center. CTIS’s Chief Innovation Officer, Srikanth Uppalapati, leads the effort to migrate UWI’s virus surveillance data to the cloud, enabling enhanced analysis and collaboration across UWI campuses. By utilizing cloud infrastructure, the program ensures that researchers and trainees have access to a shared, secure computational environment to conduct advanced analyses and manage large datasets effectively.
This migration not only streamlines data management for viral surveillance but also provides invaluable hands-on experience for future leaders in medical virology, empowering them with cloud computing skills that are increasingly important in global health research.

Impact:

The migration of viral surveillance data to the cloud has accelerated research and improved the region’s capacity for monitoring and responding to viral outbreaks. UWI’s ability to conduct deeper analyses, in collaboration with other institutions, has been greatly enhanced, facilitating more timely and effective responses to epidemics. The project also strengthens the training program for virology researchers, equipping them with the necessary skills to manage data in cloud environments, which is essential for addressing future global health challenges. Through CTIS’s support, this initiative advances both the region’s viral surveillance capabilities and the development of a skilled workforce in medical virology.