Mozambique health information network (MHIN) : final technical report

Abstract

The MHIN project was designed to support health data collection and reporting through a two–way communications system utilizing the existing cellular telephone network and low-cost, simple-to-use, and energy-efficient handheld computers (also known as Personal Digital Assistants or PDAs.) The project developed the Mozambique Epidemiological Surveillance System (officially called Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica or SIS-VE) – an electronic system combining mobile, wireless, and fixed technologies for improving epidemiological surveillance data collection, reporting, and analysis. All eleven provinces and 43 districts in Gaza, Inhambane, and Zambezia provinces are utilizing SIS-VE for epidemiological surveillance data gathering and reporting as a cost-saving alternative to paper-and-penbased approaches. The system developed by the project is enabling the districts and provinces to receive and analyze high-quality data on time, to track outbreak prone diseases, and to respond in a timely manner to disease outbreaks. A cost-effectiveness study showed that the MHIN system reduced the cost of managing epidemiological data by 20% compared to traditional paper-based manual systems. The key lessons learned include addressing in the design of research projects the value of testing innovations and research versus the costs represented by “pilot project fatigue”; institutionalizing the crucial role of champions; and the dependence of sustainable outcomes on long term investment, partnership, and consistent support. Continued user support and improvement of the system to include additional features and functionalities is sine qua non to the sustainable use of the system. AED-SATELLIFE and MISAU recommend continuing building the capacities of the technical personnel of the Ministry of Health to manage and enhance the system. Expanding the use of the system for other data collection needs of the health sector is also recommended.