Enhancing Community Participation in Dengue Control Through Digital Crowdsourcing: An Analysis of a World Mosquito Program Digital Open Call in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Abstract Background Two crowdsourcing open calls were created to enhance community engagement in dengue control in Sri Lanka. We analyzed the process and outcomes of these digital crowdsourcing open calls. Methods We used standard World Health Organization methods to organize the open calls, which used exclusively digital methods because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We collected and analyzed sociodemographic information and digital engagement metrics from each submission. Submissions in the form of textual data describing community-led strategies for mosquito release were coded using grounded theory. Results The open calls received 73 submissions. Most people who submitted ideas spoke English, lived in Sri Lanka, and were 18 to 34 years old. The total Facebook reach was initially limited (16 161 impressions), prompting expansion to a global campaign, which reached 346 810 impressions over 14 days. Diverse strategies for the distribution of Wolbachia-infected mosquito boxes were identified, including leveraging traditional festivals, schools, and community networks. Fifteen submissions (21%) suggested the use of digital tools for monitoring and evaluation, sharing instructions, or creating networks. Thirteen submissions (18%) focused on social and economic incentives to prompt community engagement and catalyze community-led distribution. Conclusions Our project demonstrates that digital crowdsourcing open calls are an effective way to solicit creative and innovative ideas in a resource-limited setting.