| dc.description.abstract |
Background: The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted a critical lesson for global health systems:
effective preparedness depends on timely access to reliable and interconnected health data.
Across many countries, fragmented information systems limited the rapid exchange and use of
data needed for outbreak detection, response, and decision-making. In Uganda, the recurrent
emergence of infectious disease outbreaks, including Ebola, Marburg virus disease, and cholera,
has reinforced the importance of resilient and interoperable health information systems. Although
substantial progress has been made in strengthening disease surveillance and response mechanisms,
persistent challenges continue to affect the country’s capacity to generate and utilize high-quality
data during public health emergencies.
Methods: This study combined a review of published and grey literature with qualitative
inquiry to explore existing challenges in Uganda’s health data ecosystem. Six key informants
with expertise in health information systems, disease surveillance, and outbreak response
participated in in-depth interviews to provide insights into current gaps and potential solutions.
Results: The findings revealed several interconnected challenges, including fragmented and
poorly integrated information systems, limited access to critical digital infrastructures, incomplete
digitalization of data collection processes, and weaknesses in data quality and accessibility.
These challenges often result in delays in data sharing and evidence-based decision-making
during outbreaks. Participants noted that many of these barriers are well recognized and can be
addressed through targeted and relatively modest investments. Key recommendations included
accelerating the integration of existing health information platforms, expanding end-to-end
digital data collection, increasing investments in health information systems, and strengthening
coordination among government agencies and development partners.
Conclusions: Strengthening Uganda’s preparedness for future epidemics requires sustained
commitment to interoperable health information systems and high-quality data management.
Building on the strong foundations already established through collaboration with partners such
as World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, targeted
investments and enhanced governance mechanisms could address the most pressing system
gaps. Advancing these efforts will improve the availability and use of quality health data,
enabling more effective surveillance, faster outbreak response, and greater resilience against
future public health threats. |
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