This community innovation has been accepted at the 2025 DHIS2 Annual Conference
Integrating DHIS2 & RTM for Cold Chain Optimizatio
Introduction / Background Approximately 770,000 children are born annually in Malawi, with a birth rate of 32 births per 1,000 people (Our World in Data, 2023; Fred Economic Data, 2023). These children require vaccinations from birth to five years, in line with the Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP) III objective to increase equitable access to quality healthcare services (Malawi HSSP III, 2023). Effective vaccine delivery relies heavily on proper cold chain management, including preventive and corrective equipment maintenance and efficient distribution (Lutakai et al., 2019). In 2024, Malawi adopted a cold chain equipment management system using the DHIS2 platform, which tracks equipment registration, operational status, and temperature data. Previously, temperature readings were entered manually into DHIS2 and automatically pushed from Nexleaf Analytics’ ColdTrace system, resulting in redundant reporting. To streamline processes, ColdTrace was made interoperable with DHIS2 to exchange temperature readings seamlessly. Methodology A data mapping exercise aligned key data elements between the two systems, defining temperature measurement standards and auto-calculated fields within DHIS2. A migration script was developed for data transfer via API. Comprehensive validation ensured accurate temperature reporting across systems. Results Following the migration, users verified that temperature readings between ColdTrace and DHIS2 matched. These readings were visualized on DHIS2 dashboards, supporting data-driven decision-making. Recommendations / Conclusions The integration of ColdTrace with DHIS2 has streamlined temperature data reporting, eliminating the need for dual system access and reducing manual entry errors. Real-time temperature data within DHIS2 enables timely equipment maintenance decisions, enhancing vaccine storage management and optimizing healthcare service delivery in Malawi.
Primary Author: Blessings Nthezemu kamanga
Keywords:
Integration, Interoperability, Cold Chain Management, Remote Temperature data, Safe guarding Vaccines, data use
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