Project Overview
HISP Rwanda is supporting the Ministry of Health and Wellness of Jamaica, in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to strengthen the National Cancer Registry through the implementation of the DHIS2 Cancer Module.
The project aims to improve the quality, timeliness, and accessibility of cancer data to support evidence-based planning and decision-making for cancer control.
Objectives
Strengthen national cancer surveillance systems
Improve data quality, completeness, and timeliness
Enable real-time access to cancer data for decision-making
Support evidence-based cancer control planning and resource allocation
System Description
The DHIS2 Cancer Module is a web-based platform that supports end-to-end cancer data management, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up within a single digital workflow.
The system enables:
Real-time data collection, validation, and analysis
Case-based tracking of patients לאורך the care continuum
Secure access through role-based permissions
Use of dashboards and geospatial tools for monitoring trends
Regional Health Authorities can enter and validate data, while national teams oversee quality assurance and use the system for reporting and planning.
Key Features
Integrated, case-based cancer registry
Real-time dashboards and analytics
Geospatial analysis for disease distribution
Offline and mobile functionality
Interoperability with national health systems
Alignment with international standards (IARC)
Implementation Approach
The implementation followed a phased approach:
Planning and system design aligned with national needs
Configuration of the DHIS2 Cancer Module
Migration of existing cancer registry data
Training of over 40 health staff and registry personnel
Capacity building of system administrators
User guides, training materials, and videos were developed to support ongoing system use and sustainability.
Impact
The implementation has improved the completeness and timeliness of cancer data in Jamaica, enabling faster access to national statistics and better understanding of disease patterns.
Health authorities can now use up-to-date data to guide policy development, program planning, and resource allocation, contributing to more effective cancer prevention and control strategies.
Partnerships
Ministry of Health and Wellness, Jamaica
Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)
HISP Centre at the University of Oslo
Future Directions
The Ministry plans to expand the use of the DHIS2 Cancer Module by integrating it with other national health information systems and strengthening surveillance of priority non-communicable diseases.
The project also contributes to regional and global knowledge sharing, supporting similar initiatives in other countries.
Resources
Project article: https://hisprwanda.org/strengthening-cancer-surveillance-in-jamaica-through-dhis2-hisp-rwandas-role-in-advancing-digital-health/
