WHO report finds gaps in Africa’s health information systems

The World Health Organization says Africa needs stronger health-information systems after an assessment of 40 countries found gaps in recording deaths, checking data and using it to plan care.

WHO launched the findings on 10 November at the First Africa Health Data Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. The assessment was conducted in 2024 across 40 of the African Region’s 47 member states and gave health-information systems an overall maturity score of 59 out of 100.

WHO said the findings include an example from Bauchi State, where health authorities used vaccination and community information to identify children who had missed routine immunisation and target underserved communities.

Only 19 of the 40 countries assessed said they notified authorities of at least 80 per cent of deaths. WHO also said 18 per cent reported having a dedicated budget line for health-information systems, while 43 per cent reported enough capacity to analyse health data at facility level.

The forum, which brings together health ministers, officials and development partners, is due to end on 12 November after discussions on investment and practical solutions.

Sources: WHO Regional Office for Africa