WHO launches Africa Health Data Forum in Nairobi to strengthen health information systems

KENYA—The World Health Organization (WHO), UN agencies, and development partners have launched the first Africa Health Data Forum in Nairobi to strengthen health information systems and improve the use of data in healthcare planning and delivery across the continent.

Held under the theme “Better Data, Better Health for All,” the Forum brings together governments, health experts, development partners, academic institutions, civil society and private sector representatives.

Discussions focus on improving the availability, quality and use of health data, with countries leading efforts to identify gaps, set priorities and develop practical solutions.

The opening session highlighted the role of reliable and timely health information in identifying population health needs, planning services and allocating resources.

Participants also emphasised the need for stronger digital systems that enable governments to make informed decisions and respond to emerging health threats.

“True health equity across Africa begins with the power of reliable, actionable data. As our health systems evolve, we must move beyond fragmented tracking and build unified, country-owned digital architectures,” said Dr Arash Rashidian, Acting Director of the Health Systems and Life Course Department at WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Regional investment in health information systems

Seven countries in WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region with African populations, namely Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan and Tunisia, have made progress in strengthening their health information systems.

Their investments have focused on generating health data, expanding digital infrastructure, improving analytics and promoting evidence-based decision-making.

Together, these countries are home to nearly 250 million people, representing approximately one-third of the Eastern Mediterranean Region’s population.

However, progress remains uneven. Many countries continue to face challenges in collecting, maintaining, accessing and using reliable health information.

These weaknesses affect the ability of health systems to identify emerging needs, monitor disease trends and deliver services efficiently.

The gaps are particularly concerning in conflict-affected areas and emergency settings, where disrupted health services and limited surveillance can leave vulnerable communities without adequate healthcare.

Weak data systems also make it harder for governments and development partners to identify priority areas and direct funding and medical supplies where they are most needed.

“Even when health facilities are no longer functioning, effective surveillance tells us where diseases are spreading, which threats are emerging and where every dose and every dollar must go,” said Dr Adham Ismail, Officer-in-Charge of WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, in a virtual address during the opening session.

Strengthening surveillance and data use

The Forum also highlighted the importance of civil registration systems, disease surveillance and cross-border data sharing in improving health outcomes.

Recording every birth and death, including its cause, provides governments with essential information for measuring population health and planning healthcare interventions.

In addition, health workers need the tools and training to detect disease threats early and report cases accurately.

Countries must also strengthen connections between their health information systems to improve coordination within national health services and across borders.

These priorities have implications for governments, healthcare providers, technology companies and development partners.

Investments in digital health infrastructure, data analytics, and workforce capacity will be important in improving disease surveillance, resource allocation, and access to essential services.

“Let us leave Nairobi with concrete, country-led commitments: to detect threats earlier, count every person, reach those left behind, and use every available resource to save more lives,” said Dr Ismail.

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