Enhancement and digitalization of health information systems in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a regional strategy (2024-2028)

Enhancement and digitalization of health information systems in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a regional strategy (2024-2028)

1. Enhancement and digitalization of health information systems in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a regional strategy (2024-2028) Dr Arash Rashidian Director, Science, Information and Dissemination

2. Valid and timely data is the key … 2 Bu t…. In many countries of the Region, routine HIS do not perform efficiently Data is the cornerstone of effective decision-making for health and saving lives National health information systems (HIS) are the foundation of health data

3. Source: Progress on the health-related Sustainable Development Goals and targets in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2023 : 2nd progress report. Cairo: WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean; 2024. Major gap in data: Progress in 1 out of 3 SDG indicators could not be measured Slow progress on the health-related SDG indicators

4. 4 Source: Global Digital Health Monitor. Status of foundational and functional investments for digital health transformation Eastern Mediterranean Region Western Pacific Region South-East Asia Region African Region Percentage of countries with minimal assets 0% 20% 60% 80% 100% 40% Registries: Patient IDs Registries: Providers and facilities Interoperability standards implemented Data exchange architecture Public funding for digital health Digital health in national plan

5. 5 Source: Global Digital Health Monitor. Status of foundational and functional investments for digital health transformation Eastern Mediterranean Region Registries: Patient IDs Registries: Providers and facilities Interoperability standards implemented Data exchange architecture Public funding for digital health Digital health in national plan 6 countries (Bahrain, Islamic Republic of Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Tunisia) at phase 4 of the Global Digital Health Index 2 countries (Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates) at phase 5 of the Global Digital Health Index (highest phase)

6. Comprehensive HIS assessments in 11 countries reveal shortfalls in many areas 2 countries use e lectronic medical records All countries require improvements in determination and coding of cause of death 7 countries either use DHIS2 or a have a customized national system All countries needs significant enhancement in human resource capacity 10 countries have architecture and data standards that are inadequately defined 5 countries need to enhance data visualization mechanisms and strengthen data analysis

7. R egional strategy for digitalization of national health information systems Regional strategy for digitalization of national health information systems

8. 8 Focus of the strategy among HIS initiatives Regional core indicators ​ (including SDG indicators) ​ Household and facility WHO regional initiatives to improve HIS​ Electronic health records and data linkages​ Routine HIS (including DHIS2 and GIS)​ International Classification of Diseases and Health Interventions Household and facility surveys CRVS systems and causes of death ​ Enhancing hospital health management information systems ( HMIS) Implementing integrated disease surveillance system Enhancing primary health care HMIS Addressed in the strategy

9. 9 Digitalization of health information systems requires a multi-layered approach WHO develops guidelines using global evidence base Ministry of Health adapts global guidance  in line with national strategies  into national policy and protocols Technology partners translate national policies into digitalization solutions Health workforce delivers health services and report according to national policies Health service users access person-centred care according to national policies

10. National plans Capacity and investment Interoperability and standards Data use 10 Regional strategic goals and actions National plan and strategy Governance, partnership and coordination mechanisms Legislation and regulations Mobilizing financial resources and public funding Human resource capacity Adopting WHO and other standards Digital health framework Electronic health records Infrastructure and GIS capabilities Identifying inequities Monitoring progress and impact Generating evidence for decisions Dashboards and visual displays Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 3 Goal 4

11. Main challenges are in standards and interoperability (Goal 3) 11 Patient IDs and registries Provider and facility identifiers Interoperability standards Data exchange architecture Standards ​and interoperability Semantic standards (e.g. ICD-11)​ Structural standards (e.g. FHIR )

12. 12 WHO’s role in implementing the strategy Policy development and implementation Resource mobilization and collaboration Digitalization and interoperability standards Progress reporting to the Regional Committee

13. Digitalization is central to an effective national health information system Successful digitalization relies on national plans, governance and interoperability