Routine Health Information Systems Strengthening in Zambia
Reliable, routine health data is essential to how any health system plans, delivers, and evaluates services. In Zambia, fragmented reporting systems, inconsistent data quality, and limited analytical use at subnational levels were hampering effective programme management and decision-making.
To address this, USAID launched a comprehensive routine health information systems strengthening initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Health. HISP South Africa was brought in as a technical partner to support system design, national DHIS2 configuration, metadata harmonisation, and the rollout of programme-specific dashboards and supervision tools.
The work aims to enable a health system that doesn’t just report data but uses it meaningfully to make strategic decisions based on evidence.
Primary Goal
To strengthen Zambia’s routine health information systems by improving data quality, alignment, system use, and capacity across national and subnational levels.
Strategic Objectives
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Optimise and standardise DHIS2 configuration for national and programme needs
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Harmonise metadata packages, indicators, and validation rules
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Build data use capacity among M&E officers, DHIOs, and programme managers
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Support district-level performance reviews, supervision, and decision-making
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Establish a foundation for long-term HIS governance and system sustainability
Key Components & Approach
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System Configuration: Aligned DHIS2 with national reporting needs, including improved program stage design, validation rules, and indicator logic
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Metadata Package Development: Created and implemented standardised metadata across maternal health, HIV, malaria, and NCD programmes
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Dashboard Rollout: Co-developed programme-specific dashboards with MOH for real-time visual monitoring
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Capacity Building: Delivered targeted training and mentorship to provincial and district M&E teams
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Supervision Tools: Introduced data quality review templates, audit checklists, and facilitation tools for regular data use meetings
Achievements
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Improved DHIS2 platform design with streamlined data entry forms and integrated analytics
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Standardised national metadata aligned across multiple vertical programmes
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Active dashboard use by programme leads and M&E teams at provincial level
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Routine data reviews institutionalised across several provinces
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Strengthened national and district capacity for HIS governance and decision-making
Strategic Impact
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Higher data quality and reliability: More complete and timely routine reporting across health facilities
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Better performance management: Programme leads can monitor KPIs visually and in real time
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Embedded data use culture: Decision-making now supported by accurate routine data at multiple levels
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System ownership: HIS strengthening now driven by MOH technical teams with reduced external dependency
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Scalable model: RHIS framework now ready to be extended across more programmes and digital layers