QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF HISP RWANDA (APRIL-JULY 2024)

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF HISP RWANDA

We are excited to bring you the latest edition of HISP RWANDA’s Quarterly newsletter, 
bringing you highlights of the activities conducted between April and July 2024.

ENHANCEMENTS TO THE IMMUNIZATION SYSTEM

Initially, health institutions in Rwanda used two parallel systems for managing immunization data:

HISP Rwanda team on-site supportive supervision

Traditional paper-based records and the Immunization Tracker system. This dual approach led to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in data reporting.To address these issues, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Health Information Systems Program (HISP) Rwanda and other stakeholders, undertook a comprehensive overhaul of the immunization data management system.

Digital vaccination certificate

Digital Immunization Cards: Traditional immunization cards have been replaced with digital versions that include growth monitoring charts, streamlining the tracking of a child’s health milestones

SMS Notifications: The system now supports SMS notifications to remind parents and guardians of upcoming immunization appointments, improving adherence to vaccination schedules.

Read the full story on our website https://hisprwanda.org/a-comprehensive-digital-transformation-of-the-immunization-program-in-rwanda/

HISP RWANDA, MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH OF MADAGASCAR, AND UNICEF MADAGASCAR HOSTED 4-WEEK DHIS2 CAPACITY-BUILDING WORKSHOP IN KIGALI.

**HISP Rwanda Coordinator Venuste NSANZUMUHIRE addressing Malgasy participants.**

HISP Rwanda, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health of Madagascar and UNICEF Madagascar, organized a capacity- building workshop in Kigali for personnel on DHIS2: configuration and creation of metadata (aggregate/tracker), and server administration. This training lasted for 4 weeks.

The main objective of this workshop was to enhance the capacity of ministry staff in terms of DHIS2 metadata configuration, server administration, and data visualization and analysis, with the aim of improving the quality of the routine health information system and producing timely information that meets the needs of the health system.

The specific objectives include strengthening the national team’s capacity in metadata configuration and best practices for DHIS2 customization (aggregate and tracker data), enhancing the national team’s skills in server administration and maintenance, and improving the national team’s abilities in data analysis (reporting, completeness, timeliness, pivot tables, charts, maps, etc.During their stay, participants visited different areas such as Ministry of Health Rwanda,Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Food and Drugs Authority and so on.

**Madagascar team posing with Dr. Ivan BUTERA, State Minister in the Ministry of Health**

See Full video on our Youtube channel :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH6P4tuonRM&t=4s

HISP RWANDA PARTNERED WITH GABON MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WHO TO CONDUCT DHIS2 TRAINING SESSION

In partnership with the Ministry of Health of Gabon and the World Health Organization Gabon, HISP Rwanda facilitated a training session for the DHIS2 technical team in Gabon, held from May 6 to 10, 2024. The objective was to enhance participants’ skills in managing health data using DHIS2.

The 58 participants, from various programs and reference hospitals, engaged in thematic sessions covering organizational units, data elements, indicators, data quality, and also conducted practical data analysis exercises using tools such as pivot tables, charts, or geographical maps, as well as creating dashboards with DHIS2.

This training enabled participants to develop concrete skills, grasp key DHIS2 concepts, and understand its application in managing health data in Gabon.

Visit our facebook account https://www.facebook.com/share/p/pygCCjmwTGx1fpnd/

RWANDA IMMUNIZATION AND VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASE DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP MEETING – 2ND EDITION

“Rwanda Biomedical Centre, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), World Health Organization, and HISP Rwanda, developed the Data Triangulation Dashboard to guide decisions within the Immunization and VPD surveillance programs. The TWG meeting is a quarterly forum established to oversee the dashboard’s use at the national and district level.

The second TWG meeting was held on June 14th to review data quality issues, assess program performance, and identify immunity gaps using the dashboard. Key next steps include fast-tracking the lab and surveillance systems integration, enhancing mentorship for trained districts, conducting training for new districts, and addressing data quality issues. These efforts bring us closer to making unified, well-informed decisions for the Immunization and Surveillance Unit programs, showcasing significant improvements in data management and use at the national and district level.

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE ELMIS PROJECT IN THE UNION OF THE COMOROS

As part of the implementation of the eLMIS project in the Union of the Comoros by the HISP Rwanda team, the University of Oslo (UiO), and The mSupply Foundation, an official launch meeting took place on July 18, 2024, at the Retaj Hotel in Moroni.

This event was organized under the high patronage of the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Bank through its ‘Projet Vaccin’.

Check our facebook post : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/pygCCjmwTGx1fpnd/

HISP RWANDA PARTICIPATED IN INTENSIVE SERVER MANAGEMENT TRAINING WORKSHOP IN LIBREVILLE (GABON)

HISP Rwanda participated in a server management training workshop in Libreville, held from June 10 to 14, 2024.

This intensive training, organized by the Ministry of Health of Gabon with technical support from HISP Rwanda and funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Global Fund, brought together IT professionals to enhance their skills in server configuration, DHIS2 installation, and database management.

Some of the key achievements include Mastery of server configuration and security and Hands-on experience with DHIS2 and PostgreSQL.

For more Check our LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/posts/hisprwanda_servermanagement-dhis22-healthiswealth-activity-7209162407200391168-LZn2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

DATA VISUALISATION ACADEMY IN DHIS 2 (Académie sur la Visualisation des Données dans DHIS2)

The Data Visualization Academy organized by HISP Rwanda in collaboration with the University of Oslo (UiO) took place from July 22 to July 27, 2024 at Grand Legacy Hotel in Kigali Rwanda. Speaking at the opening of this academy, the coordinator of HISP Rwanda, Venuste NSANZUMUHIRE, welcomed over 60 delegates from 12 countries.

The Data Visualization Academy on DHIS2 organized by HISP Rwanda and the University of Oslo, successfully concluded after one week in Kigali, Rwanda. Participants completed an intensive training program focused on advanced data analysis and visualization techniques. At the end of the academy, they were awarded certificates in recognition of their achievements and new skills acquired.

For more: https://hisprwanda.org/academie-sur-la-visualisation-des-donnees-dans-dhis2-kigali-22-27-juillet-2024/

For more photos:https://dhis2.canto.global/u/u-a95c476835a1469ab478f3632f3c4238_718b6879fd7f41afaedc98fa7a36d057?viewIndex=0

HISP RWANDA’SROLE IN USAID-IREME PROJECT’S YEAR TWO PLANNING WORKSHOP

In July, HISP Rwanda significantly contributed to a pivotal 3-day planning workshop focused on the Year Two strategy for the USAID-IREME project. This project, a 5-year initiative, is dedicated to strengthening the Rwandan health system by implementing cutting-edge digital solutions.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders to assess progress made in the first year and to strategize for the upcoming phases. HISP Rwanda’s expertise in digital health systems was instrumental in shaping the roadmap for enhancing healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes across the country.

Through collaborative efforts, the project aims to address critical health challenges and ensure sustainable, long-term improvements in Rwanda’s healthcare infrastructure.

Check our Instagram Page : https://www.instagram.com/p/C94ea0uIsXy/

HISP RWANDA TECHNICALLY SUPPORTED WESTERN AFRICAN COUNTRIES IN DHIS2 IMPLEMENTATION

Technical Validation Workshop of Chad’s National Digital Health Strategic Plan assisted by HISP Rwanda

Throughout this Quarter, HISP Rwanda has provided comprehensive technical support for the implementation of DHIS 2 in various countries, including chad, the central african republic, congo brazzaville, Sudan and several others.

This support has encompassed a wide range of activities, such as system customization, user training, data quality assurance, and ongoing technical assistance to ensure the successful adoption and utilization of dhis 2.

The efforts by HISP Rwanda have played a crucial role in enhancing health information systems in these countries, thereby contributing to improved health data management and decision-making processes.

Check our X post :https://x.com/HispRwanda/status/1820369876231311676