Health Information for All continues to highlight a central paradox in global health systems: while data generation has expanded rapidly, access to reliable, usable health data remains uneven, particularly across African and other low-resource settings. From a health system strengthening perspective, this gap is not merely technical; it is structural, institutional, and deeply linked to governance capacity.
In many African countries, health data systems are still characterised by fragmentation between routine health management information systems, disease-specific reporting platforms, and donor-driven databases. For example, in several sub-Saharan African health ministries, up to 40–60% of facility-level data is still initially captured on paper before digitisation, introducing delays and transcription errors. In one documented district-level review in East Africa, maternal mortality figures differed by as much as 25% between facility registers and national DHIS2 dashboards, undermining confidence in planning figures.
The sustainability challenge is equally significant. Many digital health platforms were introduced through short-term donor-funded projects without adequate integration into national budgets. When external funding cycles end, systems often degrade due to lack of maintenance, licensing costs, or insufficient technical support. This creates “data silos of opportunity” — systems that function temporarily but fail to institutionalise long-term data stewardship.
From a practitioner’s perspective, weak data use culture is as constraining as weak data systems. In several district health offices, I have observed, monthly health data reports are compiled primarily for upward submission, not for local decision-making. Consequently, frontline managers rarely use data to adjust service delivery, even when indicators such as immunisation coverage fall below 70% or antenatal care attendance drops sharply.
Infrastructure constraints remain persistent. The World Bank estimates that nearly 30% of health facilities in low-income African settings still experience unreliable electricity supply, while internet connectivity in rural clinics can fall below 20% coverage. These limitations directly affect real-time surveillance, particularly for epidemic-prone diseases.
Strengthening universal access to reliable health data requires investment beyond digital tools. It demands institutionalisation of interoperable systems, continuous workforce training in data literacy, and embedding data governance within national health financing frameworks. Crucially, it requires shifting from data production for reporting compliance to data use for decision authority.
The long-term development implication is clear: without reliable health data, health systems cannot allocate resources efficiently, respond to outbreaks effectively, or track equity in service delivery. Data, in this sense, is not a by-product of health systems; it is one of their core infrastructure pillars.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje
Global Health and Development Projects Consultant | Conferences Organizer | Trainer| Facilitator | Researcher | M&E Expert | Civil Society Leader | Policy Advocate | Climate-Health Specialist
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HIFA profile: Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a leading voice in health education, community health, and advocacy, with decades of experience advancing people-centered development across Africa and beyond. His approach to health education emphasizes participatory learning, knowledge transfer, and behavior change communication, ensuring that individuals and communities gain the skills and awareness to make informed decisions about their health. He develops and delivers innovative health promotion strategies tailored to local realities, particularly in resource-limited settings. In community health, Dr. Adirieje has championed integrated primary health care, preventive medicine, and grassroots health initiatives. Through Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), which he leads, he connects civil society, community groups, and health institutions to strengthen healthcare delivery, tackle health inequities, and improve access to essential services for vulnerable populations. His work addresses infectious diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, climate and health, environmental health, and emerging public health challenges. As a passionate advocate, Dr. Adirieje works with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to influence health policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable development goals (SDGs). He amplifies community voices, ensuring that health systems are inclusive, accountable, and responsive. His advocacy extends beyond health to governance, environment, and social justice, positioning him as a multidisciplinary leader shaping healthier and more equitable societies. afrepton AT gmail.com