2017 ICT4D Conference

Availability of timely, quality data to the right person at the right time is at the core of effective and efficient delivery of health services. The BID Initiative has been working with African countries in this field for the past few years and through its multi-country peer learning network has identified opportunities and challenges that can drive or hinder the desired data culture revolution. Opportunities include: renewed global and national interest in better data for decision making; willingness of funding agencies to strengthen health systems including data systems; regional and sub-regional initiatives and policy papers that highlight the importance of efficient information systems; global, continental and national economic and political pressure for better decisions for the benefit of citizens; advances in technology; as well as increased interest and skill at local (facility and district) level to use data to make decisions . On the other hand challenges range from complex policy, financing and programming issues to implementer focused characteristics that call for effective change management strategies. This paper will expound what has been learned and offer recommendations on a way forward.