At Bahi Health Centre, an inspiring transformation has taken place, driven by the power of data management and a commitment to action. Thanks to targeted initiatives from the District of Excellence (DoE), the team empowered its staff with essential data skills on how to utilize data collected in digital platforms, in particular DHIS2 HMIS, leading to ground-breaking changes in healthcare for the community.
In July-September 2024, routine analysis of monthly health data revealed a concerning trend: a significant proportion of pregnant women attending the centre were facing anaemia and elevated protein levels in their urine. Aware of the potential complications these conditions pose for both mothers and their unborn children, the data signalled a critical call to action for the Bahi Health Centre team.
Refusing to stop at surface-level statistics, the team embarked on a deeper investigation. They meticulously analysed the data to uncover the underlying causes of these health issues. Their findings revealed that many affected women hailed from a remote village, where the long distance to the health facility made regular check-ups and essential services, such as iron supplements, nearly inaccessible. Consequently, these pregnant women were heavily reliant on outreach programs for their healthcare needs.
However, upon further reflection, the team identified a missed opportunity. Previous outreach visits hadn’t been specifically tailored to address the unique circumstances and challenges faced by pregnant women in that area. Armed with this crucial insight, the team resolved to act.
As the facility in charge passionately noted, “We reimagined and expanded our outreach program. We added a laboratory technician to our team, enabling on-the-spot haemoglobin and urine tests for pregnant women. This allowed for immediate detection and swift intervention. Moreover, we ensured a consistent supply of iron supplements was available during these visits, directly tackling nutritional deficiencies. But we didn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of education, we incorporated sessions on the value of a balanced diet and proper prenatal care into our outreach agenda.”
The result of this data-driven action was nothing short of transformative. Pregnant women in the area gained access to timely, targeted care that addressed their specific challenges. Through the dedication of the Bahi Health Centre team, data was converted into actionable insights, effectively demonstrating that when health data is meticulously collected and analysed with a community-focused mindset, it has the remarkable power to foster meaningful change.
This success story stands as a testament to the efficacy of data collection and analysis using DHIS2 and the objectives of the DoE. It illustrates how analyzing data with a positive lens transforms raw statistics into tools for uncovering hidden challenges, informing decisions, and ultimately saving lives. At Bahi Health Center, health data became the vital link connecting a vulnerable community to the quality healthcare it deserves. This is the story of how data spoke and how it led to life-changing action.
