This article explores DHIS2: Unlocking the hidden opportunities and barriers in the health delivery system through data utilization between private health facilities and the Ministry of Health (MOH), Lusaka Province, Zambia. The article derives its methodology from the use of a descriptive approach. The article argues that the adoption of the DHIS2 use as a mandatory tool in data capture and use for private health facilities and MOH has brought easier accessibility, availability, and utilization of data, and this, fosters great collaboration and engagement among the two sectors in decision-making related to disease burden and service delivery. The article also brings out the non-existence of reporting relationships in the past before bringing the private health institutions (PHIs) on board and capacity-built the PHI’s staff in data management using the DHIS2 platform. The article concludes that the fissure in the health delivery systems between the Private and Public sectors has since been closed and has led to improved health delivery outcomes in the country. In this regard, the article argues that the data generated in DHIS2 has made policy makers put interventions skewed towards reduction in disease burden using data, for example, the country recently experienced public health threats such as Malaria, Covid-19, Anthrax, and Cholera Outbreaks. To further the discussion, the article concludes that improved health outcomes have been recorded through the use of DHIS2 platforms such as the use of data in drug supply chain management, logistics and vaccinations (use of DHIS2 Covax system), this led to the country attaining 70% head immunity protection against Covid-19 through tracking of clients getting vaccinated, improved patient referral systems and interventions put based on data extracted from DHIS2 and also assisted in reducing a problematic issue related to Neonatal and Maternal Mortality in Zambia. The attached file shows the efforts that were made by MOH to engage and strengthen the data reporting of the Private Health Institutions using the DHIS2 Platform and currently, above 95% of the Private Health Facilities are using DHIS2 in the country by reporting to the MOH.
Key words
DHIS2, Private, Public, Health, Delivery, Services, System, Facilities, Ministry, Data, Utilization, Disease, Burden, Zambia.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
1 post - 1 participant
