University of Hargeisa, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland.
Tehran University of Medical School, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
East Mediterr Health J. 2018 Jan 2;23(11):764-773. doi: 10.26719/2017.23.11.764.
Reliable and timely health information is fundamental for health information systems (HIS) to work effectively. This case study aims to assess Somaliland HIS in terms of its contextual situation, major weaknesses and proposes key evidence-based recommendations. Data were collected through national level key informants' interviews, observations, group discussion and scoring using the HIS framework and assessment tool developed by World Health Organization Health Metrics Network (WHO/HMN). The study found major weaknesses including: no policy, strategic plan and legal framework in place; fragmented sub-information systems; Poor information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure; poorly motivated and under-skilled personnel; dependence on unsustainable external funds; no census or civil registration in place; data from private health sector not captured; insufficient technical capacity to analyse data collected by HIS; and information is not widely shared, disseminated or utilized for decision-making. We recommend developing a national HIS strategic plan that harmonizes and directs collective efforts to become a more integrated, cost-effective and sustainable HIS.
可靠和及时的健康信息是健康信息系统（HIS）有效运作的基础。本案例研究旨在评估索马里兰 HIS 的具体情况、主要弱点，并提出基于证据的关键建议。数据通过国家一级关键信息员访谈、观察、小组讨论和使用世界卫生组织卫生计量网络（WHO/HMN）制定的 HIS 框架和评估工具进行评分收集。研究发现主要弱点包括：没有政策、战略计划和法律框架；信息系统分散；信息和通信技术（ICT）基础设施差；人员积极性和技能低；依赖不可持续的外部资金；没有人口普查或民事登记；私营卫生部门的数据没有被捕获；分析 HIS 收集的数据的技术能力不足；信息没有广泛共享、传播或用于决策。我们建议制定国家 HIS 战略计划，协调和指导集体努力，使 HIS 更加一体化、具有成本效益和可持续性。
