Recently, we have been approached by organizations looking to implement DHIS2 in just 10 to 15 days. While we appreciate the urgency to deploy digital health solutions, we often have to decline such requests because proper DHIS2 implementation requires a structured, phased approach to ensure sustainability, data integrity, and usability.
From my experience of over a decade working with DHIS2 and supporting multiple countries and organizations, I can confidently say that rushing implementation leads to failure.
These are the keys Phases we consider during DHIS2 Implementation:
Inception Report User Requirements Gathering System Design & Planning Development & Configuration Capacity Building Migration & Data Preparation Documentation Pilot Phase (Recommended minimum duration: 3 months)** Feedback & Incorporation of Changes Final Deployment & Rollout Ongoing Support & Maintenance
Anything below 6 months is merely an improvisation, which risks system failure, poor adoption, and significant technical challenges in the long run.
If a consultant claims to implement DHIS2 in 10 days, then I sincerely wish you luck.
Let’s prioritize quality over speed, because in digital health, a poorly implemented system can do more harm than good.
Hi Immanuel - I agree that it takes time to implement DHIS2 in a country. While the actual configuration work can be done relatively swiftly - all the other tasks you mention will take more effort and time.
What kind of DHIS2 projects are you currently involved in and drawing experiences from?
In fact, attention is usually not paid to the initial steps before the configuration (steps 1 -3). It appears that having a system up and running is the most exciting thing. However the robustness, quality and sustainability of a DHIS2 system starts with good planning and system design.
In some implementations I’ve spent 2-3 months on planning and system design and it subsequently makes it easier at the development & configuration stage, or better still, makes collaboration possible and easier. For example, other developers could carry out the development and configuration stage with little or no supervision on the basis that there’s a good requirement and system design document.
Very helpful line-up of key phases in a good DHIS2 Implementation.
If I were to list the projects we might not finish today, I’d instead list the countries. In each country, we might have implemented more than 4 DHIS2 projects.
1. Angola - Several projects for ministry of Health from 2018 till now funded by UNDP, EU and PSI 2. Colombia - Maternal Hospital funded by Project Hope Washington DC 3. Namibia - TB, HIV Counselling and Testing, Voluntarily Male Circumcision Tracker (2022), and Aggregate (2016), Ministry of Gender and Ministry, Ministry of Youth and Funded by different partners since 2016 till now. 4. Moldova - Tracker for several services provided by Refugees who fled the Ukraine War. 5. Poland - Tracker for several services provided by Refugees who fled the Ukraine War. 6. Romania - Tracker for several services provided by Refugees who fled the Ukraine War. 7. Ukraine - More than 4 Trackers on several services including Services provided by Mobile Clinics, Logistics, Donations, and services at Displaced centres. 8. South Sudan - Migration of Data from several platforms to DHIS2, this was funded by WHO AFRO. 9. Cabo Verde - Implemented Trackers for 18 programs In Health and it was funded by WHO AFRO
10. Currently we are doing an Implementation for an UN Agency [to be revealed after the project is completed] covering 12 countries
That’s why @AnneThorseng needs to talk to your team that I deserve a DHIS2 award for uplifting and promoting DHIS2 , some of this is even pro bono work since most international Organizations have pulled out. Systems are hanging, me my team and have actually decided to provide free training somewhere in April. Close to 90 people have registered from 16 different countries , 3 continues covering different Ministries of Health, Academic Institutions, NGO’s, UN Agencies etc.
You are 100% correct @Quoda, its better not have your reputation tarnished for rushing a project.We are the experts, we need to educate the clients on the pros and cons of their timeline.
Inception Report
User Requirements Gathering
System Design & Planning
Development & Configuration
Capacity Building
Migration & Data Preparation
Documentation
Pilot Phase (Recommended minimum duration: 3 months)**
Feedback & Incorporation of Changes
Final Deployment & Rollout
, some of this is even pro bono work since most international Organizations have pulled out. Systems are hanging, me my team and have actually decided to provide free training somewhere in April. Close to 90 people have registered from 16 different countries , 3 continues covering different Ministries of Health, Academic Institutions, NGO’s, UN Agencies etc.