Health data and health information systems in the South-East Asia

Monitoring health situations and trends is one of WHO’s six core mandates and underpins evidence-based decision making in every facet of health systems strengthening. The work of SEARO in this area is to improve the quality, analysis, and use of country and regional health information for better measurement and accountability for health. This information is vital for monitoring and evaluation of progress towards universal health coverage and achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals, national public health decision making, annual health sector reviews, planning and resource allocation and even individual healthcare and service delivery.

WHO’S South-East Asia Regional Office contributes to improved health information through its activities in three areas:

• Improving access to reliable information through the Regional Health Information Platform (HIP), the common gateway to the wealth of South-East Asia Region data and statistics, analysis and reports on key health themes;

• Strengthening governance, capacity, interoperability, and sustainability of national health information systems (HIS), civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems, and digital health or eHealth investments.

• Effective collaboration through peer learning networks for better knowledge exchange, application and use of standards and tools, coordination across development partners, and pursuit of appropriate innovations and solutions for better data quality, analysis, and use.