The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) is witnessing a transformation in how data drives public health decisions, thanks to the power of DHIS2. In a series of interviews during the Data Visualization in DHIS2 Academy, ZNPHI staff shared their experiences attending their first Academy and how this powerful platform is reshaping their daily work, strengthening data use, and improving decision-making for lasting impact in public health.
A Milestone Event: DHIS2 Academy in Kigali
On August 15, 2025, the curtains closed on a 5-day Data Visualization in DHIS2 Academy hosted by HISP Rwanda in Kigali. This hands-on training brought together implementers, data managers, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) team leads from across Africa.
Throughout the week, participants explored practical DHIS2 applications, mastering tools such as:
- Pivot Tables for organizing and analyzing data
- Charts in the Data Visualizer for clear, compelling visuals
- Maps to geographically represent health trends
- Dashboards for real-time monitoring
- Interpretations for collaborative data-driven insights
For many from the ZNPHI delegation, this was a first-time experience with such a comprehensive DHIS2 training.
“The academy opened my eyes to how DHIS2 can turn raw data into actionable insights,” said one ZNPHI participant. “It’s already changing how we approach our work.”
A Catalyst for Change
The ZNPHI team described how DHIS2 is revolutionizing their workflows — from tracking disease outbreaks to monitoring program performance.
“Before DHIS2, analyzing data was time-consuming and fragmented,” one team member shared. “Now, we can visualize trends instantly and make faster, evidence-based decisions that impact communities.”
The delegation highlighted that DHIS2 dashboards and visualizations are making it easier to communicate complex data to policymakers and partners, helping ensure that interventions and resources reach the areas that need them most. Whether identifying districts with low vaccination coverage or responding swiftly to public health threats, DHIS2 is becoming an indispensable tool in Zambia’s health system.
The Kigali DHIS2 Academy stands as a significant milestone in regional collaboration and capacity building. It reflects HISP Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to supporting African institutions in harnessing digital tools for stronger, data-driven health systems.
Watch their interviews: