Transforming Cancer Surveillance in Jamaica with the DHIS2 Oncology Module.
With a population of around 2.83 million (2023 estimates), the capital city Kingston serves as Jamaica’s political and economic center. The population is predominantly of African descent (over 90%), with minority communities of mixed heritage, East Indian, Chinese, and European ancestry. English is the official language, while Jamaican Patois is widely spoken.
Jamaica’s healthcare system faces increasing pressure from non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—with cancer ranking among the leading causes of death and disability. Historically, cancer data collection was managed through a desktop-based system, leading to fragmented datasets, limited access, and delayed reporting. This severely hindered timely public health response, policymaking, and patient outcome monitoring.
Objective
To modernize Jamaica’s cancer surveillance system through the deployment of the DHIS2 Oncology Module, enabling real-time data collection, validation, and analysis—ultimately improving public health interventions, resource planning, and patient outcomes.
HISP Rwanda Ltd’s Intervention in Jamaica
HISP Rwanda Ltd supported the successful implementation of the DHIS2 Oncology Module through a four-phased, remote-first approach:
Planning
Conducted stakeholder consultations and needs assessments
Mapped workflows and assessed infrastructure needs within Jamaica’s health sector
Customization
Digitized national cancer reporting forms
Configured validation rules and dashboards aligned with IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) standards
Testing
Facilitated User Acceptance Testing (UAT) to gather feedback and optimize functionality
Deployment
Delivered virtual training to over 40 users across facility, regional, and national levels
Provided system documentation, technical support, and capacity-building for sustainability
Key Features of the DHIS2 Oncology Module
End-to-End Integration: Covers data capture, validation, reporting, and analysis in a unified platform
Customizable Workflows: Tailored to Jamaica’s national forms and IARC indicators
Advanced Analytics: Real-time dashboards, geospatial mapping, and customizable reports
Mobile & Offline Functionality: Supports data entry in rural areas with limited connectivity
Secure, Role-Based Access: Data privacy ensured via role-based permissions and VPN-secured channels
Scalable Architecture: Open-source and ready for integration with broader national health systems
Seamles Data Flow
Health Facilities: Digital forms streamline entry of suspected cancer cases, reducing delays and errors
Regional Hubs: Data validation and enrichment occurs in real time, ensuring accuracy
National Level: Decision-makers access dynamic dashboards to monitor trends, allocate resources, and develop policies
Key Benefits
Faster Response: Real-time alerts enable immediate public health interventions
Operational Efficiency: Reduces administrative workload and improves turnaround time
Capacity Building: Remote training and localized system ownership ensure long-term sustainability
Improved Patient Outcomes: Tracks full patient journeys—from diagnosis to follow-up care.Impact
The deployment of the DHIS2 Oncology Module has significantly strengthened Jamaica’s cancer surveillance system. Replacing outdated, fragmented processes with a web-based, real-time platform, the system now delivers accurate data, supports evidence-based policymaking, and enhances patient-centered care—contributing to improved cancer survival rates and a stronger national cancer control strategy.
Next Steps
HISP Rwanda Ltd invites stakeholders across the Caribbean and beyond to join efforts in modernizing disease surveillance using the DHIS2 Oncology Module.
Contact: hisp.rwanda@gmail.com
Visit: https://hisprwanda.org for live demos, consultations, rapid deployment, and technical support.