Strengthening health management information systems: transformative agenda for women, adolescents and youth in the Pacific

The Pacific region faces significant challenges in achieving universal sexual and reproductive health, particularly for young people and people living with disability. Many Pacific Island countries and territories have increasing rates of teenage pregnancies, low contraceptive prevalence rate, and rates of unmet need for family planning equal to some of the highest in the world. 

Available data for tracking and reporting on key sexual and reproductive health, sexual and gender-based violence, and youth health indicators are inadequate. This poses a critical challenge for promoting reproductive rights, the rights of young people, and establishing evidence for investment. 

This work contributes to national statistical systems to ensure increased availability, analysis, and use of quality, disaggregated ICPD/SDG-related data, with a focus on informing national and sectoral priorities, policies, and programming in development and humanitarian situations.

Objective

The objective of this work is to review and address gaps in the availability, quality, and use of sexual and reproductive health and sexual and gender-based violence data generated by health facility data collection and reporting systems. 

Timeline

Phase 1: 2020-2022. 

Phase 2: 2023-2027. 

Approach

The project involves: 

• a gap analysis of the health management information systems in each country to assess the extent to which it is able to meet data requirements
• presentation of recommendations for health management information systems strengthening for sexual and reproductive health and sexual and gender-based violence
• planning and implementation of key recommendations in collaboration with country partners. 

Community impact

Improved routine data quality and use in decision-making will impact community health and wellbeing. A strengthened health management information system and improved information use enables informed decisions for healthcare delivery, the identification and response to health emergencies, monitoring progress towards health goals to inform policy and planning, and improved resource allocation.