This community innovation has been accepted at the 2025 DHIS2 Annual Conference
The Impact of eIR in Somalia for Vaccine Services
Until 2023, Somalia’s Ministry of Health relied on a paper-based immunization system across both urban and remote health facilities, causing inefficiencies in tracking and reporting. This manual system made it difficult to identify new immunization recipients, defaulters, or those with zero-dose status, leading to missed doses and higher drop-out rates. To address these challenges, the Ministry, in collaboration with WHO and HISP Tanzania, implemented a DHIS2-based electronic immunization registry (eIR). This system allows for online and offline data collection, tracking immunization records, and automating the aggregation of routine data, reducing healthcare workers’ administrative workload. It also supports special vaccination campaigns and mobile outreach programs. The eIR system has improved immunization services by enabling real-time data capture, even in areas with limited internet access. This transition to digital records has minimized data retrieval delays, reduced errors, and increased efficiency, allowing healthcare workers to focus more on patient care. Between 2023 and 2024, the vaccine drop-out rate decreased by 0.9%, from 32.8% to 31.9%. Automated SMS reminders to caregivers ensured timely vaccinations, boosting adherence and reducing missed doses. Real-time, high-quality data strengthened decision-making, enabling health authorities to monitor immunization trends, allocate resources effectively, and implement targeted interventions. The DHIS2-based eIR has transformed immunization programs in Somalia by reducing administrative burdens, improving vaccine coverage, and enhancing data accuracy, significantly contributing to better public health outcomes.
Primary Author: Khadija Mzava
Keywords:
DHIS2, eIR, MoH, HMIS
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