Recognizing the critical role of accurate and timely health data in policymaking and healthcare delivery, Maldives has embarked on a mission to digitalize its public health information systems. By harnessing the power of new technologies for health data management, the country aims to revolutionize its health sector. Central to this transformation is the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2), a tool that has significantly enhanced health information systems globally, including Maldives.
With technical support from World Health Organization (WHO) the country has established ‘Maldives Integrated Public Health Information System (MIPHIS)’ based on the DHIS2 platform. This new system was designed to streamline public health information management across the country. To ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of MIPHIS, a comprehensive country capacity-building initiative was integrated as a key component to development of information system. This initiative focused on targeted training programs, technical support, and strategic partnerships, all aimed at strengthening the Maldives' digital health infrastructure.
The DHIS2 capacity-building program was designed to be thorough and inclusive, targeting three main stakeholder groups: health managers and policymakers, middle-level health managers including health facility heads and program heads, and health information system designers and developers. WHO played a pivotal role in this program, providing essential technical support to conduct the training sessions and ensuring that all participants were well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
For health managers and policymakers, the training focused on the strategic use of health data in decision-making processes. This group learned how to utilize the DHIS2 platform to generate accurate health statistics and trends, which could then inform effective health policies and programs. Middle-level health managers, including heads of health facilities and programs, received training on managing health data at the facility level. The participants were taught how to input data accurately, analyze it, and use the insights to improve health service delivery and resource allocation.
Health information system designers and developers received specialized training on the technical aspects of the DHIS2 platform. They learned about system customization, data security, and troubleshooting, ensuring that the platform could be adapted to meet the specific needs of the Maldives. This group also focused on developing a sustainable health information system that could adapt to evolving health challenges.
The support provided by WHO was instrumental in enhancing the overall surveillance, reporting, and response to public health issues in the Maldives. As a trusted partner to the government, WHO's contributions went beyond technical guidance, such as capacity building, strategic assistance for planning and implementing the training programs, and development of comprehensive FAQs and other information, education, and communication materials.
"The knowledge and skills we were able to acquire through the DHIS2 local capacity building initiative empowered us and gave us confidence to explore the development of new DHIS2 modules with minimal support from external technical expertise." said Fathimath Shamah, Director (Medical Information, Health Information Management & Research Division), "This was extremely useful when we were tasked to develop a Lymphatic Filariasis Screening tool as part of an urgent public health response. We were able to successfully develop this tool within two weeks and it was used to provide access to real-time mass screening data of Greater Male' Region."
This initiative has significantly improved data management, analysis, and utilization skills among health professionals in the Maldives. At the central level, 20 sessions were held, training 40 staff members. Additionally, multiple user training sessions were conducted both in-person and online for health centers, with over 100 individuals receiving training. The enhanced capacity of the health workforce ensures that the country's public health information system is resilient and responsive to emerging health challenges. Through continued collaboration and support, the Maldives is now better equipped to leverage health data for effective policymaking and healthcare delivery.