🤖 AI Generated Summaries for each #DAC2025 session + Deep Dive Audio for Day 4

Resources - Ressources
1

In this dac2025 AI Summaries series we will provide you with:

  1. :headphone: Deep Dive Audio AI Summary for the entire conference day
  2. :memo: Summary for each session (ordered in the same sequence as in the agenda).

Please note that it’s possible that these AI generated summaries contain errors; therefore, this post has been made as a wiki so that necessary modifications can be made by other community members especially speakers.

Thank you, and enjoy! :grin::+1:

:placard: AI Generated summaries for #DAC2025 sessions Day 1
:placard: AI Generated summaries for #DAC2025 sessions Day 2
:placard: AI Generated summaries for #DAC2025 sessions Day 3
:placard: AI Generated summaries for #DAC2025 sessions Day 4 :left_arrow: (You’re here! :slight_smile: )

:headphone: Day 4 Deep Dive (AI Audio Summary):

NOTE: This AI audio is an experimental feature using Gemini, so this audio deep dive (including the voices) are AI-generated and there might be inaccuracies and audio glitches. This audio is not a comprehensive or objective view of a topic, but simply a reflection of the YT videos and other material from the conference. We simply hope that you enjoy the audio overview of the whole day and that it sparks your curiosity!

Plenary Sessions:

🔮 What's Next in DHIS2? Unveiling the Future! 🚀 #🔮 **What's Next in DHIS2? Unveiling the Future!** 🚀

The “What’s next in DHIS2” session, presented by Markus Bekken (Engineering Lead) and Marta Vila (HISP Center UiO), with contributions from Rebecca, provided a deep dive into the exciting plans for the DHIS2 platform for the upcoming year and beyond.

The DHIS2 roadmap is now strategy-led (a shift from previous years), ensuring that development efforts align with long-term goals and real-world challenges faced by the HISP network and the broader community.

Here’s how the roadmap is structured:

  • Strategic Priorities (4-5 year vision) :world_map:: These are high-level goals guided by everyday challenges:

    1. Maintain & Sustain High Quality DHIS2 Implementations :white_check_mark:: Focusing on long-term stability, data integrity, and performance for large databases.
    2. Support for Interoperability, Extensibility, and Local Innovation :link:: Enhancing connections and customization capabilities.
    3. Integrate and Use Data (Architecture & User Experience) :bar_chart:: Making data more accessible and user-friendly for decision-makers.

  • Objectives (1-2 year goals) :bullseye:: More specific targets derived from the strategic priorities, allowing for clear progress assessment. The session highlighted 10 key objectives with planned tasks for v43 and v44.

  • Initiatives (~6 month concrete steps) :hammer_and_wrench:: These are the specific features, improvements, and guidance being developed, directly incorporating community inputs from platforms like Jira and Discovery.

Key Objectives & Initiatives on the Horizon! :sparkles:

The presentation covered several exciting areas:

  • Climate & Health Tools :sun_behind_rain_cloud::stethoscope:: Rapidly developing solutions natively integrated with DHIS2. This includes the CHAP modeling platform for predictive analytics and the DHIS2 Modeling App for user interaction and model evaluation. The DHIS2 Climate App enables importing and harmonizing various geospatial data, not just climate data, to enhance analysis and will integrate seamlessly with local climate data platforms.
  • Tracker to Aggregate :counterclockwise_arrows_button:: Core features to reliably translate individual-level (tracker) data into aggregate data. This includes improvements to the Data Exchange solution to better map tracker data to aggregate, and continued work on Program Indicator (PI) Disaggregation.
  • Performance Improvements :high_voltage:: Enhancing the infrastructure to measure and compare performance between DHIS2 versions. Key areas include Android sync, query and table improvements, and separating tracker program events from event program events. A significant push is also being made for telemetry to collect data from DHIS2 instances to aid in support.
  • Functional Extensions for Data Collection :writing_hand:: Expanding extension points in all data collection apps (Capture, Data Entry, Android) to support tailored user experiences. This aims to fix issues with custom forms in v42 and allow for row-based data entry.
  • Metadata Management :card_file_box:: Improving workflows for development and staging environments, enabling staged rollouts. This includes verbose output from the metadata import API and a new Scripting App/API Explorer to simplify writing and running logic for metadata cleanup.
  • Data Analysis Enhancements :magnifying_glass_tilted_left:: Providing better support for visualization and access to data. This involves moving towards one unified app for individual-level data (replacing older event visualizers) and developing a new organization unit component for a smoother user experience across all apps. Improvements to the Maps app and dashboard slideshows are also planned.
  • Enrollment Data Model Enhancements :plus:: Responding to new use cases, especially in the education domain. This includes adding Attribute Option Combos (AOCs) to the enrollment level.
  • OWASP L1 Compliance (Security) :locked:: A major focus on increasing the security maturity of the product to meet industry-recognized standards. Initiatives include two-factor authentication for Android, CSP Headers, and CSRF prevention strategies, with the goal of full OWASP Level 1 compliance by v44.
  • Integration of External Individual-Level Data :handshake:: Making it easier for DHIS2 to connect and receive data from other individual-level systems, like Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), without replacing them. This involves exploring real-world use cases in various countries.
  • Core Software Priorities :laptop:: Non-negotiable updates to maintain DHIS2 as a secure, modern, and relevant platform. These include standardizing parsers, Android SDK database updates, cross-instance user experience features (e.g., consistent session expiration), expanded global shell command palette for shortcuts, and a Hibernate upgrade.

How to Contribute & Follow Up! :megaphone:

The DHIS2 team encourages the community to engage with the roadmap through Discovery, a user-friendly layer built on top of Jira.

  • Follow up the Roadmap: Visit the “Roadmap v43” section in Discovery to see all the listed initiatives and their progress. Each initiative links to its corresponding Jira epic for detailed tracking.
  • Propose Ideas: If you have new ideas or use cases, share them in the “Propose Ideas” section of Discovery. The team emphasizes sharing problems rather than just solutions. Bugs should still be reported directly in Jira.

The session highlighted that while plans are detailed, there will be learning and potential adjustments as development progresses, which will be reflected in Discovery.

🏆 DHIS2 Annual Conference 2025: Awards Ceremony & App Competition Highlights! 🌟

:trophy: DHIS2 Annual Conference 2025: Awards Ceremony & App Competition Highlights! :glowing_star:

The “Awards ceremony and app competition” session was a vibrant event dedicated to celebrating the remarkable contributions and engagements throughout the conference, alongside unveiling the highly anticipated App Competition winner. The session was led by Austin McGee (Extensibility Lead) and Max Krafft (Training & Communications Lead) from the HISP Centre UiO.

Here’s a breakdown of the awards and recognitions:

  • DHIS2 & HISP Know-It-All Quiz (Cahoot Master) :brain:

    • Winner: David Kennedy, a member of the core team, which was expected given his deep knowledge of DHIS2.
    • Next Best Non-Core Team Member: Eric Chingalo, who joined remotely.

  • Community of Practice (CoP) Challenge :globe_with_meridians:

    • This competition encouraged participants to explore and engage with the CoP platform.
    • Winner: Joseph Jagallo.

  • Abstract Reviewers (Internal Award) :books:

    • Recognizing the significant effort involved in reviewing 267 submitted abstracts – a new record for the conference.
    • Most Reviewed (for the third year running): Victoria Crispino with an impressive 97 abstracts reviewed.
    • Close Second: Johan Sabbo.
    • Close Third: Bob Jalif.

  • Most Sessions Hosted :microphone:

    • Awarded to an individual known for being a natural and active session host.
    • Winner: Scott RPatre.

  • Most Anticipated Parallel Session :sparkles:

    • Measured by how many attendees saved sessions to their personal schedule on the conference website.
    • Winner: The session titled “Tracker to Aggregate”, led by Jim Grayson and Olaf. This was highlighted as not just a popular session, but also a much-anticipated feature.
    • Runner Up: “AI powered innovations in DHIS2”, led by Ghatio and Jose.

  • Most Surveys Filled Out (Session Feedback) :white_check_mark:

    • Acknowledging those who actively provided feedback on sessions.
    • Online Winner: AJ Remy Bise.
    • In-person Winners: Oswald Deaga and Antonio Sigundo.

  • Most Active in the CoP (Virtual Conference) :laptop:

    • For those participating virtually on the primary online information platform.
    • Winners: Amalia Lopez @lopezamalia853 and Eric Chingalo @ericchingalo.

  • Most Active on Social Media :mobile_phone:

    • Recognizing those who shared photos, videos, and experiences, helping to extend the conference’s reach and create energy.
    • Winner: Data Science Nigeria.
    • Runner Up: ICT, who also won this award last year.

  • Most Dedicated Volunteers (Internal DHIS2 Core Team) :blue_heart:

    • Celebrating core team members who volunteered their time to make the event happen.
    • Winner: Wika Madanga.
    • Also recognized were Stevald and Ingun Samsoy.

  • Favorite Photos :camera_with_flash:

    • Selected from the conference’s photo album across four categories:
      • Presentation: A photo showing a marked gesture.
      • Audience: A great audience shot from the opening day.
      • Interaction: A moment capturing people chatting outside, reflecting real engagement.
      • Selfie: A selfie from Prosper.

  • App Competition Winner 2025 :1st_place_medal:

    • This year, the competition received over 20 applicants, making the selection of three finalists quite challenging. Hundreds of votes were cast.
    • The engagement on the Community of Practice from both voters and submitting teams was highly impressive.
    • Winner: PlexiPortal from HISP Tanzania :tada:.
    • The presentation for FlexiPortal was given by Eric Chingalo, as GIF (the primary presenter) was unwell.
    • FlexiPortal was lauded as an impressive innovation, with the expectation that many public portals will be built using it in the future.
🌍 How to Sustain DHIS2 in Challenging Times! 🌊 # 🌍 **Navigating the Tides: How to Sustain DHIS2 in Challenging Times!** 🌊

The “Conference closing: How to sustain DHIS2 in challenging times” session was a pivotal panel discussion led by Ola Hodne Titlestad (Deputy Director & DHIS2 Implementation Lead, HISP Centre UiO). The central theme revolved around resilience and sustainability for DHIS2 implementations in a shifting global landscape, particularly as donor funding faces reductions.

Despite the challenges, a beacon of good news was shared: DHIS2 secured a new four-year, $1 million USD contract with the World Diabetes Foundation to strengthen Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) data, expanding successful work from Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Malawi to other regions.

The insightful panel, featuring representatives from Maldives, Ghana, WHO, HISP Uganda, and BAO Systems, offered diverse perspectives on how to keep DHIS2 systems alive and thriving:

  • Maldives (Aishath Samiya) :maldives:: Emphasized co-ownership from the start, making DHIS2 part of national health and digital policies to secure government funding, and fostering multi-country/multi-project collaboration for easier donor engagement. They also highlighted building local capacity (reducing reliance on external experts) and enhancing user usability and support.
  • Ghana (Salat Nanogma) :ghana:: Stressed sustaining domestic financing through comprehensive planning and budgeting for DHIS2 within national health strategies. Key components include institutionalizing DHIS2 roles in HR norms and being intentional about needs-based capacity building to retain knowledge. Expanding the DHIS2 community to include end-users is vital to appreciate the system’s relevance.
  • WHO Representative :globe_with_meridians:: Framed budget cuts not as a risk, but as an opportunity to restructure and reprioritize, highlighting the critical role of data. They advocated for strengthening data use over mere data collection, especially leveraging routine data. WHO aims to build its own staff capacity and continue its partnership with HISP network (since 2017) to optimize impact, showcasing DHIS2’s analytic capabilities and new AI/modeling developments. They stressed funding core functions of health information systems, not just programs.
  • HISP Groups (Dr. Prosper, Uganda) :uganda:: Acknowledged the challenge of maintaining staff due to changing funding (e.g., reduced US government funding), leading to an increase in “pro bono” work. They underscored collaboration and sharing as core HISP values, advocating for preventing “reinventing the wheel” by using existing apps across countries, sharing human resources, and adding new open-source and proprietary tools to the toolbox.
  • Service Providers (Bisoy, BAO Systems) :bar_chart:: Noted the funding landscape is both contracting and dynamic, with new funding sources emerging. Strategies include seeking cost-saving efficiencies by consolidating instances and reducing complexity, and proactively engaging other funding avenues. He emphasized that alliances are critical, and the “greater good trumps individual benefit” in future partnerships, leveraging the strengths and coverage of different organizations like HISP groups.

Key Opportunities & The Path Forward :sparkles:

The session emphasized a collective vision for future collaboration:

  • New Partnership Models: Think differently about partnerships, especially with local HISP groups, who offer cost-effective solutions and long-term commitment.
  • Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Integrate DHIS2 across sectors like agriculture and education to tap into new resources and address broader data needs (e.g., climate data for health, education, and agriculture).
  • Leveraging Existing Infrastructure: Focus on using and strengthening routine data systems and existing DHIS2 deployments to reduce the need for costly ad-hoc surveys.
  • Localized Innovation: Promote country-led development and adaptation, ensuring solutions are relevant to local contexts.
  • Building Community: Foster active communities of practice and emphasize continuous capacity building and mentorship to retain expertise.
  • Strategic Planning: Develop coordinated plans and unified budgeting proposals to pitch to donors, highlighting long-term system strengthening.

The conference concluded with a reminder of the social event at Sognsvann lake, encouraging continued discussion and collaboration. The overall message was one of unity, solidarity, and strategic adaptation to ensure DHIS2 remains a sustainable and impactful digital public good in a changing world.

Parallel Sessions:

🏥 Building Stronger Foundations: The Health Facility Profile in DHIS2! 📊✨ # 🏥 **Building Stronger Foundations: The Health Facility Profile in DHIS2!** 📊✨

The session “Health Facility Profile (and broader facility self-assessments/service availability etc)” highlighted the crucial role of integrating health facility profiles and self-assessment tools into national Health Management Information Systems (HMIS). Traditionally, this vital data has been collected through periodic, ad-hoc surveys, which are often costly, time-consuming, and quickly become outdated. The session emphasized a shift towards embedding this information into routine systems using DHIS2 for more sustainable, timely, and actionable data flows.

The session featured insights from Anh Chu (WHO HQ), John Lewis (HISP Vietnam), and Stefano Perotti (HISP Centre), with specific country experiences presented by Anou Suanong (HISP Vietnam) for Lao PDR and Isabelle Morera (UNFPA) for Senegal.

What are Health Facility Attributes? :information_source:

Health facility attributes encompass semi-permanent data about a facility, typically collected six-monthly or annually, or ad hoc during emergencies. This includes key information such as:

  • Services provided and their availability.
  • Basic staff numbers by cadre and availability of trained staff.
  • Availability of beds, key equipment, and essential medicines.
  • Infrastructure details, including internet and computers.
  • Preparedness of healthcare services for routine and emergency circumstances.
  • Measures to prevent and control infections within the facility.

DHIS2’s Transformative Role :rocket:

DHIS2 is actively used to collect and analyze this data, leveraging tools like custom forms, program rules, indicators, and dashboards to support facility assessments and ensure alignment with national and global data standards. The platform transforms decision-making by consolidating essential data points into a single view.

Key Impacts of using DHIS2 for Health Facility Profiles:

  • Improved Resource Allocation: Helps plan resource allocation.
  • Bottleneck Identification: Identifies bottlenecks and accessibility issues.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Aids in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.
  • Enhanced Operational Readiness: Ensures facilities are operationally ready.
  • Optimal Staffing Support: Helps optimize staff deployment for efficient patient care.
  • Accurate Service Provision: Confirms that health facilities provide the correct services.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Enables data-driven decision-making, promotes transparency, and provides real-time analytics.
  • Stronger Collaboration: Fosters collaboration by providing one source of data for various health programs to review.
  • Faster Response: A common operational picture allows for rapid action.
  • Efficient Data Flow: Improves data flow and quality by linking facility-level systems with DHIS2.

Country Experiences with DHIS2 for Facility Profiles :globe_showing_europe_africa:
Several countries have adopted the Harmonized Health Facility Assessment (HHFA), a comprehensive health facility survey that can be resource-intensive. The DHIS2 approach offers a way to get more frequent updates on a subset of core questions.

  • Lao PDR :laos:: Anou Suanong presented their experience using the DHIS2 Org Unit Profile App as a single source of data. This app unifies data from various sources (routine health information systems, other surveys) to prevent redundant data collection. It provides a comprehensive profile for each health entity, classifying them into service delivery, administrative units, and departments/offices. The app allows users to easily maintain, update, and track changes of organization units over time across multiple DHIS2 instances. It integrates data on infrastructure, staffing levels, service delivery, and key performance indicators. For instance, it helped identify a health center with the same patient volume as a district hospital but with less support, enabling targeted investment.
  • Senegal :senegal:: Isabelle Morera shared UNFPA’s experience with Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) monitoring. An EmONC network of 142 facilities providing basic and comprehensive care has been monitored through DHIS2 since 2020 across all 14 regions. The system uses a national data collection sheet configured into DHIS2, with validation rules and indicator generation. Stakeholders at central, regional, and facility levels are involved in data collection, quality control, and problem-solving. Key indicators tracked include the availability of functioning EmONC facilities, key drugs, supplies, equipment, and required human resources. Utilization indicators like C-section rates and case fatality rates are also monitored. Data from the Fatick Region showed a reduction in maternal case fatality rates and newborn deaths from 2020 to 2023 due to improved coordination and resource management. Challenges included cross-checking readiness information, data retention issues due to health provider strikes, and technical issues with DHIS2 updates. Future steps involve linking DHIS2 with Access Mod to calculate population coverage by functioning EmONC facilities and mapping that coverage.

Challenges and the Way Forward :counterclockwise_arrows_button:

The discussion highlighted the limitations of traditional, ad-hoc surveys due to their high costs, extensive report lengths (e.g., 500-700 pages), and often poor data quality. The emphasis is now on leveraging DHIS2 to make this data a routine part of the health information system toolkit, supporting supportive supervision and enabling better coordination of resources. The power lies not just in collecting the data, but in its use and triangulation with information from other sources. The aim is to ensure a stable flow of data and supplies for services in facilities by working closely with programs and managers.

Spotlight on Surveillance: DHIS2 Innovations in Action! ✨📊 # **Spotlight on Surveillance: DHIS2 Innovations in Action!** ✨📊

The “Lightning Talks: Surveillance” session at the conference showcased three cutting-edge innovations leveraging DHIS2 to transform disease surveillance and health data management. These short, impactful presentations highlighted how countries are tackling complex challenges with creative, data-driven solutions.

1. Tanzania Immunization Registry (TImR v2): Going Paperless for Better Immunization! :tanzania::syringe:

  • The Challenge :chart_decreasing:: Tanzania’s previous immunization registry (TImR v1) suffered from inadequate technical support, persistent bugs, limited offline capabilities, and unstable performance, making it difficult to monitor individual immunization service delivery and inventory effectively.
  • The DHIS2 Solution :hammer_and_wrench:: HISP Tanzania developed a new DHIS2-based mobile and web application (TImR v2) to replace the old system. This innovative solution leverages DHIS2’s API for seamless interaction and is designed to align with integrated immunization data management requirements.
  • Key Features :glowing_star::
    • Offline Device Connectivity :antenna_bars:: An innovative local networking solution allows devices to connect and share data without internet access, working up to a range of 150m, crucial for rural areas.
    • Comprehensive Stock Management :package:: Tracks vaccine stock levels and related supply, integrates with the Vaccine and Immunization Management System (VIMS), and helps plan vaccine sessions based on estimated client numbers to control wastage.
    • Barcode Generation :label:: Facilitates quick client search and record retrieval, improving efficiency at facilities.
    • User & Facility Management :technologist:: Enables administrators to manage users, configure facilities, and define village assignments and facility deduplication.
    • Data Visualization & Defaulter Identification :chart_increasing:: Provides analytical dashboards and helps identify immunization defaulters, notifying community health workers for follow-up.
  • Impact :flexed_biceps:: Successfully implemented a sophisticated tracking system for vaccination records, improved inventory control, and overcame limited connectivity issues. It aims to enhance program coverage and efficiency.
  • Future Plans :rocket:: Phase 3 involves piloting and refining the TImR in selected facilities, while Phase 4 focuses on expanding integration with VIMS, GOTHoMIS, DHIS2 (for monthly reporting forms), and the Health Facility Registry (HFR).

2. Revolutionizing TB Surveillance in Pakistan: Efficient User & Facility Management :pakistan::microscope:

  • The Challenge :chart_decreasing:: Pakistan’s national TB surveillance system, launched in 2021 using DHIS2 Tracker Capture, connects over 13,000 health facilities and 2,300 users. Managing frequent requests for user reassignments and role updates, especially from the private sector, led to a heavy administrative workload and a need for automation due to DHIS2’s limitations with multiple organizational unit hierarchies for external users.
  • The DHIS2 Solution :hammer_and_wrench:: A custom DHIS2 application was developed specifically for user and facility management. This app features a custom user interface for administrators, connecting to DHIS2’s core database via custom APIs.
  • Key Functions :glowing_star::
    • Bulk Facility Reassignment :office_building::counterclockwise_arrows_button:: Allows administrators to reassign facilities in bulk, addressing frequent changes in the private sector.
    • Bulk Role Updates :key:: Enables efficient modification of user roles.
    • Real-time Data Sync :stopwatch:: Ensures that changes are reflected immediately in the DHIS2 core.
  • Impact :flexed_biceps:: Significant reduction in administrative workload, decreased manual errors, and improved efficiency in managing users and facilities. This has led to faster and more accurate TB data reporting, with a gradual increase in TB case notifications since October 2022.
  • Broader Implications :globe_with_meridians:: The solution demonstrates a scalable, API-driven extension for DHIS2, strengthening public-private sector integration in TB surveillance, and can be replicated for other disease programs like HIV. Development is underway for a Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB) surveillance system using this approach.

3. Zambia’s Automated Surveillance Alert Program: Timely Outbreak Detection! :zambia::police_car_light:

  • The Problem :chart_decreasing:: Zambia uses a DHIS2-based electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (eIDSR) system since 2020, but it wasn’t fully utilized as an early warning system due to limitations in computing complex thresholds (e.g., doubling of cases, 1.5x baseline increase) and sending structured, targeted alerts to specific districts. This compromised the 7-1-7 performance metrics for detecting and responding to public health threats.
  • The DHIS2 Solution :hammer_and_wrench:: An external application was developed to regularly pull weekly surveillance data from DHIS2 via its API. This program calculates complex disease thresholds using Python and, if a threshold is surpassed, generates an alert ID, enrolls the alert into a DHIS2 tracker program, and directly notifies affected district surveillance officers via SMS, email, and Telegram.
  • Key Features :glowing_star::
    • Automated Threshold Calculations :brain:: Supports various criteria like single suspected cases, case doubling, baseline increases, and clusters of cases for specific diseases.
    • Structured Notifications :envelope_with_arrow:: Alerts are targeted and include an Alert ID and a link to the DHIS2 tracker program for follow-up.
    • Alert Workflow :white_check_mark:: District officers validate and verify alerts (aiming for within 24 hours), update their status in the eIDSR tracker, and initiate early response actions if the event is confirmed as true.
    • Integration with ZEBRA :zebra:: Verified alerts are automatically entered into ZEBRA (Zambia’s Emergency Bridge for Response Application), another DHIS2 program for managing public health emergencies.
  • Impact :flexed_biceps:: This intervention has successfully addressed DHIS2’s limitations in complex threshold computation and structured notifications. Early findings show improved data use for timely disease detection and better coordination between national and subnational teams, providing a scalable model for enhancing DHIS2-based surveillance through automation and workflow refinement. As of early 2025, hundreds of alerts have been generated, with a significant percentage verified as true events, particularly for diarrhea with blood and food poisoning.
Strengthening DHIS2 Implementations: Strategies, Tools, and Real-World Success! ✨📊

Strengthening DHIS2 Implementations: Strategies, Tools, and Real-World Success! :sparkles::bar_chart:

The session “Strategic Approaches and tools for DHIS2 Implementation strengthening” offered a deep dive into how countries and organizations can effectively plan, execute, and sustain their DHIS2 initiatives. Speakers from Ministries of Health and HISP partners emphasized that successful DHIS2 implementations are not just about technology, but are deeply social technical systems that require long-term vision and collaborative efforts.

Essential Tools & Frameworks from HISP Centre :technologist::books:

The HISP Centre offers a suite of free and open resources to guide effective DHIS2 implementation:

  • Readiness Assessment Tool :memo:: Helps organizations determine if they are prepared to start a DHIS2 implementation by assessing factors like available data sources, governance structures, and in-country skills.
  • DHIS2 Maturity Profile :house_with_garden:: A framework for evaluating existing DHIS2 implementations. It highlights the “foundations” necessary for an advanced system, such as governance, local skills, and adequate support mechanisms. Over 50 countries have used this tool, with their reports and recommendations publicly available.
  • Budgeting Tools :money_bag:: Excel-based tools that assist in calculating both initial setup costs and recurring expenses for DHIS2 implementation, enabling comprehensive financial planning.
  • Online Course on Planning & Budgeting :graduation_cap:: A free, self-paced course covering key aspects of planning large-scale DHIS2 implementations.
  • Capacity Building Tools :student:: Includes generic job descriptions for DHIS2 teams and needs assessment tools to identify skill gaps, helping to plan effective training pathways.

Country & Organizational Experiences: Lessons Learned :glowing_star: aprendiendo

The session showcased inspiring journeys and practical insights from the field:

  • Maldives’ Rapid Evolution :maldives::dashing_away:

    • Initiated DHIS2 in 2019 for aggregated data and quickly expanded to individual patient-level tracking for immunization, NCDs, cancer, and maternal health.
    • Success was driven by: co-ownership across sectors (not just health), resource pooling to align donor priorities with national plans, a phased and results-based approach, strong investment in local capacity, an agile model for quick adaptation, and robust community engagement to empower citizens with their health data.
    • They are focusing on deep integration with public health programs, facility-level systems, and national digital identity. Cross-sector collaboration with social services, tourism, environment, and education is also key.

  • MSF’s Global Humanitarian Reach :sos_button::globe_with_meridians:

    • Doctors Without Borders (MSF) operates across ~70 countries with separate DHIS2 systems established between 2015-2019.
    • Their success is attributed to dedicated e-health teams, strategic partnerships with UiO and the HISP network, extensive and contextualized training materials, and fostering a strong community of users through regional trainings and virtual office hours.
    • A significant challenge they face is high staff turnover, which they address by focusing on building local capacity among their data teams. They also strive to cultivate a strong data culture and literacy within the organization.

Strategic Reflections & The Path Forward :motorway::crystal_ball:

Saurabh Leekha from HISP India shared broader reflections on sustaining DHIS2 implementations:

  • Strategic Governance :classical_building:: DHIS2 should be formally integrated into national digital strategies with clear plans for interoperability with other systems.
  • Multi-Stakeholder Engagement :handshake:: Regular coordination meetings with ministries, donors, and partners are crucial for alignment and shared priorities.
  • Needs-Based Implementation :white_check_mark:: Aligning DHIS2 solutions with specific health system needs and leveraging standardized toolkits (like WHO health toolkits) can significantly save effort and investment.
  • Data Quality & Use :magnifying_glass_tilted_left:: Emphasizing data quality and active use is fundamental. Tools like the DHIS2 data quality toolkit and initiatives for metadata integrity are vital.
  • Continuous Capacity Building :building_construction:: Trainings alone are not enough; they must be continuous and contextualized, ideally involving users from the design stage.
  • Robust Infrastructure :cloud:: Ensuring scalable infrastructure, including cloud hosting and security, and training local teams to monitor performance are essential.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation :bar_chart:: Regular “health checks” using tools like the DHIS2 Maturity Assessment can provide a clear picture for donors on where support is most needed.
  • Coordinated Planning & Budgeting :world_map:: A single, coordinated implementation and budgeting plan is a powerful tool to secure long-term donor support by demonstrating clear objectives and areas for investment.

The session highlighted that nearly half of implementation challenges are non-technological, stressing the importance of addressing organizational and behavioral aspects alongside technical solutions. Success hinges on fostering local ownership, continuous learning, and strong collaborative partnerships across all levels.

Sparking Insights: Agriculture, Health & Data in Action! 🌾🦟👩‍💻 # **Sparking Insights: Agriculture, Health & Data in Action!** 🌾🦟👩‍💻

The “Lightning talks: Agriculture, entomology and health analytics” session, held as part of the DHIS2 Annual Conference 2025, showcased three innovative applications of DHIS2 beyond traditional health reporting, focusing on inter-sectoral data use and advanced analytics.

1. Enhancing Agricultural Resilience to Climate Change (Indonesia) :seedling::sun_behind_rain_cloud:

This talk addressed the critical issue of climate change disrupting agriculture, leading to crop failures and famine, exacerbated by data gaps across agriculture, climate, and health sectors.

  • The Vision: To design a comprehensive blueprint for enhancing agricultural resilience through climate-smart interventions, leveraging DHIS2’s capabilities.
  • How it Works: The approach integrates diverse data sources within the DHIS2 platform, including local climate patterns, genome sequencing, agricultural potential outputs, and socioeconomic indicators. A specific food estate in Indonesia serves as a case study to demonstrate feasibility.
  • Impact: This integration aims to provide insights for identifying and implementing targeted climate-smart practices, enhancing crop yields, optimizing water usage, improving soil health, and analyzing seed genome sequencing. It also helps the government monitor key performance indicators in real-time and informs national policy formulation to address famine and climate change impacts.

2. DHIS2 for eSurveillance in Angola (One Health Approach) :tiger::droplet::hospital:

This presentation focused on developing an electronic surveillance system in Angola to improve communication channels for public health, particularly by enhancing the capability to record essential animal health data.

  • The Challenge: A recognized need to improve surveillance and communication channels to address public health issues, requiring reliable and timely information for decision-making.
  • The Solution: A DHIS2-based electronic surveillance system was developed to create a transversal connection between human, animal, and environmental health. This forms the foundation for an integrated “One Health” concept within Angola’s health system.
  • Key Outcome: The successful implementation of animal health surveillance systems, including a comprehensive rabies vaccination application and an animal laboratory surveillance system, within DHIS2. This is particularly significant given that over 70% of diseases originate from animals, making cross-sectoral data crucial.

3. Enhancing Health Analytics with DHIS2 & FHIR :chart_increasing::link::brain:

This talk explored how to overcome the challenges of extracting a comprehensive “patient journey” from DHIS2’s program-centric analytics by leveraging the FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standard.

  • The Gap: While DHIS2 is excellent for aggregated program data, analyzing individual patient data across multiple programs (e.g., a patient in both TB and HIV programs) can be complex. FHIR is patient-centered but lacks inherent analytics.
  • The Proposed Architecture: An open-source solution that integrates DHIS2, FHIR, Google FHIR Pipes, and open-source Business Intelligence (BI) tools like Superset.
    • DHIS2 data (patients, events) is transformed into FHIR resources in a FHIR instance.
    • FHIR Data Pipes (a component of Google’s Open Health Stack, which is a Digital Public Good) then transform this FHIR data into a single data warehouse (using Apache Parquet files).
    • This data warehouse can be connected to BI tools (like Superset) via SQL to create powerful visualizations, including the patient’s entire journey across programs.
  • Key Advantage: This architecture can be installed on-premise, eliminating the need to send data to external clouds. It promises to improve clinical analysis by providing a more holistic view of patient data.
Empowering Local Data Use: Tanzania's District of Excellence Revolution! 🚀💡 # **Empowering Local Data Use: Tanzania's District of Excellence Revolution!** 🚀💡

The session “Data use at subnational level/District of Excellence” highlighted Tanzania’s innovative District of Excellence (DoE) initiative, a groundbreaking collaboration focused on enhancing data use at the subnational level. This initiative serves as a testbed for testing and learning digital interventions and innovative workflows within real-world health systems.

The DoE: A Collaborative Ecosystem :handshake::house_with_garden:

The DoE is a joint effort bringing together multiple stakeholders, including:

  • The Ministry of Health :hospital:.
  • Local Governments :classical_building:.
  • Universities (University of Oslo :norway:, UDSM) :graduation_cap:.
  • NGOs (HISP Tanzania) :tanzania:.

This collaborative model aims to evaluate challenges and implement interventions, with the goal of scaling successful practices nationwide. The initiative began in the Dodoma Region (Bahi District Council and Dodoma City Council) and has since expanded to Zanzibar (Magharibi B and Kusini districts), providing diverse contexts (urban vs. rural) for testing innovations.

Key Thematic Areas :bullseye::books:

The DoE project focuses on four interconnected thematic areas to drive progress:

  1. Data Management and Information Use :chart_increasing:: Cultivating and promoting routine data analysis and use, particularly at the subnational level.
  2. Digital Innovation :laptop:: Testing and adapting digital tools and technologies to enhance health service delivery and data systems.
  3. Capacity Building :student:: Developing effective and sustainable approaches to build the skills of health workers and data managers.
  4. Research and Documentation :microscope:: Engaging students and researchers to conduct applied research, document findings, and disseminate best practices.

Interventions & Practical Approaches :white_check_mark::hammer_and_wrench:

Several key interventions have been implemented:

  • Decentralizing Data Use :down_arrow:: Actively promoting DHIS2 reporting and analysis directly at the health facility level. By December 2024, all public health facilities in the pilot districts were actively reporting and analyzing data, often utilizing existing devices.
  • Structured Review Meetings :spiral_calendar:: Facilitating quarterly data review meetings with defined prior, during, and post-meeting activities to ensure follow-up on interventions.
  • Simplified Indicators :bar_chart:: Streamlining the vast number of national indicators into a simpler, more relevant set for health facilities.
  • Facility-Specific Dashboards :house_with_garden:: Developing tailored DHIS2 dashboards that capture indicators routinely monitored by frontline workers, making performance monitoring and comparison easier at the facility level.
  • AI-Powered Chatbot for Support :speech_balloon::robot:: Introducing a chatbot to provide continuous capacity building by helping users navigate DHIS2 features and resources, especially as the system updates.
  • Integrating Population Data :busts_in_silhouette:: Inserting population data for facilities into DHIS2 to enable accurate coverage analysis within the system, reducing the need for manual calculations.
  • Contextualized Training :graduation_cap:: Focusing training on the immediate needs and routine use cases of healthcare workers, along with developing context-based training materials.
  • Supportive Supervision & Mentorship :handshake:: Implementing structured mentorship programs where programmatic officers provide on-site support, addressing issues with real data in the work environment.

Key Findings & Lessons Learned :brain::light_bulb:

The DoE initiative revealed crucial insights into implementation challenges:

  • Non-Technological Hurdles :construction:: Approximately half of the challenges encountered are non-technological, often organizational or behavioral, such as the coexistence of different health information systems (e.g., EMRs and paper-based HMIS tools).
  • User Involvement is Key :people_holding_hands:: Interventions should involve users from the design stage to ensure they meet the diverse contextual requirements of different users.
  • Training Must Be Continuous :counterclockwise_arrows_button:: One-off trainings are insufficient for institutionalizing technology or practices. Continuous training, follow-up sessions, and mentorship are essential for sustained impact.
  • Leverage Existing Structures :classical_building:: It’s important to appreciate and build upon existing structures and institutions.
  • Interoperability is Paramount :link:: Facilitating interoperability between DHIS2 and other systems, especially EMRs, is crucial for comprehensive data use.
  • Leadership Drives Adoption :crown:: Leadership engagement at higher levels is critical to drive system uptake and ensure directives are aligned with implementation efforts.

Practical Success Stories :glowing_star::chart_increasing:

The efforts led to tangible improvements:

  • Improved Planning & Reporting :writing_hand:: Facilities can now generate annual planning reports and obtain top 10 disease lists directly from DHIS2, where they previously relied on manual methods.
  • Data-Driven Outreach :bullseye:: One health center, observing a trend of anemic pregnant women in DHIS2, used the data to identify a remote village as the source. This allowed them to plan a targeted outreach activity with necessary supplies (e.g., folic acid, testing) to address the specific needs of that community, demonstrating how DHIS2 data can complement paper-based records for deeper investigation.
  • Enhanced Data Use in Meetings :speaking_head:: The availability of facility-level dashboards and streamlined indicators has significantly improved data use during routine data review meetings.

Looking Ahead :motorway::crystal_ball:

The DoE aims to continue its work by:

  • Refining dashboards and analytical tools to make data more accessible and actionable.
  • Deploying more digital innovations to strengthen local data management.
  • Enhancing supportive supervision and identifying more local champions for data use.
  • Initiating further research studies and collaborating with academic institutions.
  • Engaging stakeholders in regular data forums to discuss progress and share best practices.

The initiative strongly recommends focusing equal attention on organizational and behavioral challenges alongside technical solutions, and continuing to build local capacity through continuous training and mentorship.

DHIS2 in High-Income Countries: Beyond Borders, Beyond Expectations! 🚀✨ # **DHIS2 in High-Income Countries: Beyond Borders, Beyond Expectations!** 🚀✨

The session “DHIS2 In High Income Countries” on the final day of the conference explored the growing interest in and adoption of DHIS2 in unexpected geographies, challenging the traditional perception of its use primarily in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The Core Idea: It Just Works! :light_bulb::white_check_mark:

The central message was clear: DHIS2 is gaining traction in high-income contexts not because it’s free, but because “DHIS2 works”. Many HICs are realizing that DHIS2 offers a powerful solution for their data management needs.

Why the Shift to DHIS2 in HICs? :thinking::chart_increasing:

  • Data Sovereignty & Avoiding Vendor Lock-in :locked_with_key:: Countries and governments are increasingly seeking to own their code and avoid being tied to specific vendors, an area where DHIS2 excels.
  • In-house Expertise :technologist:: There’s a desire to build and maintain as much expertise as possible within their own organizations.
  • Overcoming Legacy Systems obsolescence :old_man::right_arrow::new_button:: Many high-income countries are burdened by older, fragmented, or inadequate systems, and adopting DHIS2 can be a “30-year leap” in updating their platforms.
  • User Experience (UX) :sparkles:: Despite common assumptions, many existing systems in HICs are not user-friendly. DHIS2 offers the potential to “curate a very elegant end-user experience”.

Key Examples & Innovations :glowing_star:

  • Norway’s Institute of Public Health :norway:: Guttorm Høgåsen shared how they utilize DHIS2 to share national register statistics with municipal Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), despite initial skepticism about using DHIS2 in their infrastructure.
    • They built a “central login page” to isolate DHIS2 from direct internet access, ensuring security and proper authentication.
    • This system automates data transfer, import, and logging daily, and is noted for its stability and excellent API support for machine-to-machine communication.
    • While statistics are produced externally, they are presented within DHIS2 dashboards and visualizations, enabling local authorities to act on data, like identifying trends in influenza cases.
  • United States Implementations :united_states:: DHIS2 is being used for community health monitoring. BAO Systems highlighted opportunities in North America, noting that needs are often simpler than in LMICs, and clients frequently seek “end-to-end services” or “white glove service”.
  • Nigeria’s Integration & eGovernance :nigeria:: Data Science Nigeria demonstrated an “incredible implementation” integrating 30 ministries into one DHIS2 instance, building chatbots and AI on top, and leveraging community health workers. This was noted as a highly advanced e-governance solution, showcasing that the “digital divide” might be a misnomer in some cases.

Challenges & Opportunities for the DHIS2 Community :construction::handshake:

  • Including Everyone :people_holding_hands:: A key challenge is how to effectively include and allow all participants from both high-income and low-income contexts to benefit and engage with the community.
  • Procurement Systems :money_with_wings:: HICs often operate with different procurement systems that focus on purchasing a ready product with defined costs, rather than building long-term in-house capacity. This requires a different approach from the DHIS2 community, potentially leading to a need for a “supplier network”.
  • Partnership Evolution :globe_with_meridians:: New partnership arrangements are needed, emphasizing relational building and finding partners who “speak the language” of the HIC sectors. The community thrives on collaborative spaces like conferences that foster informal brainstorming and new ideas.
  • Rethinking Sustainability :recycling_symbol:: With changing funding landscapes and dwindling budgets for LMICs, there’s an opportunity to rethink dependency on external organizations. DHIS2 implementers in LMICs have shown immense resilience, and HICs’ interest could lead to new models where countries “exhibit more leadership and direction” in funding their own systems.

The session concluded by acknowledging that while technical solutions are important, organizational and behavioral challenges are often the biggest hurdles to overcome. Continuous engagement, tailored training, and supportive supervision are crucial for sustaining DHIS2 initiatives across all contexts.

2 Likes