Lesotho
Grant amount: $50,000
Details: Customized HMN Assessment Tool, strategic planning.
Lesotho Health Information System: Review and Assessment
Expanding the collection and use of health information has remained a critical issue in health information system in the MOHSW. An essential step in strengthening health information system is to bring data production together with data use. Information collected should be understandable not only to health professionals but also to lay public as they are the users of health information. A good health information system should be able to present and disseminate data in an appropriate format for all audiences. There has been a continuing limited utilization of data to inform policy and program implementation. The problem was compounded by the fact that such data was not timely compiled and made available for use. It is also of paramount importance that stakeholders in HMIS should work together to generate and ensure utilization of data.
In the process of strengthening HMIS MOHSW, MoLG, MFDP (Plnaning and BOS) implemented the HMN initiative. Health Metrics Network (HMN) is a global partnership working to improve health and lives by strengthening and aligning health information systems around the world. It is founded on the premise that better health information leads to better public health decision-making that will improve health for millions worldwide. Health information system strengthening requires the active involvement of many stakeholders who have roles and responsibilities in different areas of health statistics.
The process of assessing the HMIS in Lesotho was coordinated by HPSD with the support of Health Metric Network (HMN) and WHO to improve the availability, quality value and use of health information system. The assessment was done by officers from Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Bureau of Statistics and Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. Five areas were assessed using HMN concept recommended by WHO. The areas are:
- HIS Resources
- Indicators
- Data Sources
- Data Management
- Information Products and
- Dissemination and Use