Health information systems in Africa: descriptive analysis of data sources, information products and health statistics

Objective To identify key data sources of health information and describe their availability in countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region. Methods An analytical review on the availability and quality of health information data sources in countries; from experience; observations; literature and contributions from countries. Setting Forty-six Member States of the WHO African Region. Participants No participants. Main outcome measures The state of data sources; including censuses; surveys; vital registration and health care facility-based sources. Results In almost all countries of the Region; there is a heavy reliance on household surveys for most indicators; with more than 121 household surveys having been conducted in the Region since 2000. Few countries have civil registration systems that permit adequate and regular tracking of mortality and causes of death. Demographic surveillance sites function in several countries; but the data generated are not integrated into the national health information system because of concerns about representativeness. Health management information systems generate considerable data; but the information is rarely used because of concerns about bias; quality and timeliness. To date; 43 countries in the Region have initiated Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response. Conclusions A multitude of data sources are used to track progress towards health-related goals in the Region; with heavy reliance on household surveys for most indicators. Countries need to develop comprehensive national plans for health information that address the full range of data needs and data sources and that include provision for building national capacities for data generation; analysis; dissemination and use

Research output of health research institutions and its use in 42 Sub-Saharan African countries: results of a questionnaire-based survey

OBJECTIVE:To describe and analyse research output from surveyed national health research institutions in Africa.DESIGN: The survey used a structured questionnaire to solicit information from 847 health research institutions in 42 countries of the World Health Organization African Region.SETTING:Eight hundred and forty-seven health research institutions in 42 sub-Saharan African countries.PARTICIPANTS: Key informants from the health research institutions.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Volume, type and medium of publications, and distribution of research outputs.RESULTS:Books or chapters for books accounted for the highest number of information products published (on average 16.7 per respondent institution), followed by patents registered in country (8.2), discussion or working papers (6.5) and conference proceedings (6.4). Publication in a peer-reviewed journal constituted only a minor part of research output (on average about 1 paper per institution). Radio and TV broadcasts on health research accounted for the highest number of products issued by institution staff (on average 5.5 per institution), followed by peer-reviewed journals indexed internationally (3.8) or nationally (3.1). There were, on average, 1.5 press releases, 1.5 newspaper or magazine articles, and 1.4 policy briefs per institution. Over half of respondent institutions (52%) developed briefs and summaries of articles to share with their target audiences, 43% developed briefs for possible actions and 37% provided articles and reports upon request. Only a small proportion of information products produced were available in institutional databases.CONCLUSIONS:The research output of health research institutions in the Region is significant, but more effort is needed to strengthen research capacity, including human and financial resources

Human resources in health research institutions in sub-Saharan African countries: results of a questionnaire-based survey

Objective To describe the current status of institutional facilities and the supporting research infrastructure of surveyed health research institutions in Africa; including information on communication technologies and connectivity; library resources; and laboratory operations and resources. Design A structured questionnaire was used to solicit information on institutional facilities at health research institutions. Setting Health research institutions in 42 sub-Saharan African countries. Participants Key informants from 847 health research institutions. Main outcome measures The availability of laboratory; information and communication; and library facilities in health research institutions. Results Less than half of the respondent health research institutions had computer laboratories (49); network computers (50) and information technology support (38). More than two-thirds (67) had a library. Electronic subscriptions to international journals were observed to be very low; with an average of three subscriptions per institution. Almost two-thirds of the surveyed institutions (69) reported having laboratories; about half of which (55) were accredited nationally. Linkages and research collaborations were generally weak; particularly those with other laboratories in the Region. Challenges included financial and human resource constraints and the inability to communicate effectively with partners. Conclusions Health research institutions in the Region have insufficient access to essential facilities such as laboratories; libraries; computers and the Internet to generate; access and share information