Strengthening Health Information Systems in Ethiopia: A Journey of Innovation and Collaboration

Capacity Building and Mentorship Program (CBMP): The DUP collaborated with the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF) to implement the CBMP, which aimed to enhance the availability and use of high-quality data for decision-making in Ethiopia’s health sector. This program engaged the Ministry of Health (MOH), regional health bureaus, and local universities to support 11 districts and 53 health facilities across the country.

Local Capacity Development: A core focus of the CBMP was to build local capacity in planning and executing HIS initiatives. More than 4,164 health professionals received in-service training, and over 80% of the supported health facilities became model sites for implementing digital health tools, generating high-quality data, and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making.

Engagement with Academic Institutions: The DUP collaborated with six universities to strengthen HIS performance in their respective regions. They revised curricula for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in health information technology and health data science to align with global advancements and Ethiopia’s HIS aspirations. Additionally, they supported research projects for masters and PhD students, contributing to the body of evidence in HIS.

University Transformation: Through extensive support, universities evolved into reliable HIS partners, showcasing nationally implemented health information technologies. For example, the University of Gondar became a center of excellence for DHIS2, while Jimma University excelled in the electronic community health information system.

Sustainability and Local Ownership: Reflecting on their journey, the DUP emphasizes the importance of building local capacity and fostering partnerships for sustainable program outcomes. They believe that local stakeholders are the true owners and drivers of initiatives, with implementing partners playing a supporting role.

Overall, the DUP’s efforts have not only strengthened Ethiopia’s HIS but also paved the way for sustainable program outcomes through local partnerships and ownership.