Health Information Systems in Developing Countries

Some developing countries, including India, have created common monitoring and evaluation tools for standardizing health information systems. Such systems collect a range of health-facility-based and population-based data, which now will be shared across a variety of computer medical information platforms.

Health Systems Surveillance

• The tools are designed to improve the use, quality and availability of the data that is needed to monitor the performance and progress of the health of country populations, as well as to improve health-sector review and planning functions. Playing a key role is the World Health Organization, which compiles baseline information on the health of populations, outcomes of health-system investments, how health systems are functioning, and ability to collect and use the data.

Demand for Health Information Metrics

• Sources of demand include countries, international organizations, global health partnerships and donors, all of whom seek to guide resource allocation, monitor progress and enhance accountability for outcomes. These entities founded a health-metrics network on the premise that better health information systems will lead to better decision making.

Health Information Data

• Main sources of data include public-health surveillance, health-management information systems, household surveys, census, vital registration systems and government health accounts that provide a picture of national health financing.