Strengthening health management information systems for improved service delivery: Lessons from Nigeria

One of the building blocks of the health system is a solid information structure that generates timely evidence for effective decision-making. This has been a major challenge within the Nigerian health system where data management is fragmented across the local, state and federal levels. Furthermore, the health system data is of poor quality, impeding effective performance. 

The United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID)-funded Partnership for Transforming Health Systems Phase 2 (PATHS2) project supported the Federal Ministry of Health to improve the health management information system (HMIS) infrastructure using a three-pronged approach consisting of:

1. Strengthening data collection through reviewing national data collection tools and training facility personnel on their use
2. Improving data quality by supporting states and local government areas  to conduct Data Quality Assurance (DQA) processes
3. Institutionalizing the District Health Information System 2.0, a software for establishing a unified and reliable national HMIS for the entire country

Results indicate that the percentage of facilities in focal states whose HMIS met acceptable standards for data quality increased from 54% in 2009 to 74% in 2013. At the national level, the rate increased from 10% in January 2012 to approximately 26% in May 2013. In addition, implementation of the DHIS 2.0 software facilitated integration of the national HMIS with other states embracing the approach. Instituting an integrated HMIS within the health system can improve the data reporting rate and quality in resource-poor settings for improved overall health system performance.