Technology is rapidly transforming healthcare, bringing tools such as digitized client records, AI-enhanced supply chains, and more advanced health information systems. However, these systems must work in unison to improve patient care. Without integration, each system functions in isolation, creating barriers rather than solutions. This fragmentation leads to extra work for health providers and missed opportunities to deliver high-quality, client-centered care.
In environments where swift, data-driven decisions can save lives, disconnected systems mean inefficiencies and delays. To realize the full potential of digital health investments, interoperability—the ability of systems to exchange and use information—is essential.
In Ethiopia, the government has introduced various digital tools to improve data collection and usage. These include the Master Facility Register (MFR), which tracks every health facility in the country, and DHIS2, an open-source platform for managing and analyzing health service data. Yet most systems were launched independently, without coordination or the ability to share information.
To address this, the Ministry of Health collaborated with JSI through the Gates Foundation-funded Data Use Partnership (DUP) to prioritize interoperability, focusing initially on linking MFR and DHIS2. Through standardizing facility hierarchies, naming conventions, and coding systems, data could be more easily collected, shared, and analyzed.
The first step involved manually mapping and verifying all health facilities, including adding geolocation data. This process exposed non-operational “ghost facilities” still listed in the system. The team worked with the Ministry to revise inclusion policies and confirm which facilities were active. As a result, only verified operational sites remained in the system. With MFR and DHIS2 now connected, consistent and accurate facility data became accessible across platforms, improving decision-making and system efficiency at all levels.
To go further, JSI developed the Connector App, a unique tool that automates tasks within DHIS2. This includes assigning facilities to appropriate categories, creating user credentials, and sending real-time alerts to administrators. The app also supports single-point data entry, which reduces errors, eliminates duplication, and streamlines operations. This marked a shift from basic communication between systems to full interoperability—where data not only moves between platforms but also updates and syncs automatically.
The results have been significant. With more complete and timely data, Ethiopian health leaders can now assess service availability quickly, identify gaps, and allocate resources more effectively. Regulatory oversight has also improved. For example, facility license renewals are now linked to reporting compliance, encouraging greater accountability.
Ultimately, the integration of MFR and DHIS2 has made the health system more transparent, responsive, and efficient. By enabling smarter planning and better resource use, Ethiopia is laying a stronger foundation for improved healthcare access and outcomes.
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