Conference abstract
Digitalization of community data to improve community health information system management in Cameroon
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2024:23(25).26
Nov 2024.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2024.23.25.2763
Archived on: 26 Nov 2024
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Digitalization, DHIS2, community data, health, MRA-CHW
Abstract
Digitalization of community data to improve community health information system management in Cameroon
Feuzeu M1, Eugene Sobngwi1, Fouda I1, Mpactse J1, Kouadio L2, Ngum B2, Cantave F2, Prospère Ndong2,&, Edengue J2, Ntapli A2, Tounkara AF2, Mbuih I1, Koa E1, Bitha H1, Banyi-Morris S3, Efouba P1, Abanda H1
1Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon, 2UNICEF, Yaoundé, Cameroon, 3WHO, Cameroon
&Corresponding author
Introduction: in Cameroon, community-based interventions are implemented nationwide as part of a public health program with the support of various partners. However, the management of community health data was not harmonized nor was it compiled at the national level. To avail community health data at all levels, the MOH with the support of UNICEF has initiated in 2021 a pilot project to introduce community health data into the national DHIS2.
Methods: the purpose was to experiment with community health data collection and transmission through MRA-CHW, which was digitalized in DHIS2. The indicators for monitoring CDIs were compiled into a dashboard. A pilot phase of the use of the harmonized MRA-CHW and its entry into DHIS2 at the health area level was launched in 7 targeted Health Districts in 4 regions of the country (Adamawa: Tibati; Centre: Mbalmayo et Sa’a; East: Garoua Boulai; Far North: Maroua 2; North: Bibemi et Lagdo).
Results: during the pilot phase, an MRA-CHW was developed and validated: 190 CHWs were trained in data collection using the MRA-CHW and data entry into DHIS2. This was done by connecting to the DHIS2 Event module and entering the data from an Android terminal. These data were populated into DHIS2 during the pilot phase that lasted three months. Given the promising results, the digitalization process is from 7 to 55 targeted health districts.
Conclusion: this innovation has shown the importance of real-time data availability and capturing the information as it happens at different levels for the use of a range of stakeholders from health professionals, to policymakers, and donors. Scaling up this initiative will guide and help improve decision-making on community-based interventions in the health sector.
Digitalization of community data to improve community health information system management in Cameroon
Feuzeu M1, Eugene Sobngwi1, Fouda I1, Mpactse J1, Kouadio L2, Ngum B2, Cantave F2, Prospère Ndong2,&, Edengue J2, Ntapli A2, Tounkara AF2, Mbuih I1, Koa E1, Bitha H1, Banyi-Morris S3, Efouba P1, Abanda H1
1Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon, 2UNICEF, Yaoundé, Cameroon, 3WHO, Cameroon
&Corresponding author
Introduction: in Cameroon, community-based interventions are implemented nationwide as part of a public health program with the support of various partners. However, the management of community health data was not harmonized nor was it compiled at the national level. To avail community health data at all levels, the MOH with the support of UNICEF has initiated in 2021 a pilot project to introduce community health data into the national DHIS2.
Methods: the purpose was to experiment with community health data collection and transmission through MRA-CHW, which was digitalized in DHIS2. The indicators for monitoring CDIs were compiled into a dashboard. A pilot phase of the use of the harmonized MRA-CHW and its entry into DHIS2 at the health area level was launched in 7 targeted Health Districts in 4 regions of the country (Adamawa: Tibati; Centre: Mbalmayo et Sa’a; East: Garoua Boulai; Far North: Maroua 2; North: Bibemi et Lagdo).
Results: during the pilot phase, an MRA-CHW was developed and validated: 190 CHWs were trained in data collection using the MRA-CHW and data entry into DHIS2. This was done by connecting to the DHIS2 Event module and entering the data from an Android terminal. These data were populated into DHIS2 during the pilot phase that lasted three months. Given the promising results, the digitalization process is from 7 to 55 targeted health districts.
Conclusion: this innovation has shown the importance of real-time data availability and capturing the information as it happens at different levels for the use of a range of stakeholders from health professionals, to policymakers, and donors. Scaling up this initiative will guide and help improve decision-making on community-based interventions in the health sector.
