A data collector checking the functionality status of a water point
The DHIS-2 refresher training marks a significant step toward enhancing data accuracy and strengthening the WASH service delivery in South Ari Woreda. By focusing on accountability, improved data management, and regular capacity building, the South Ari Woreda Health Office and IRC WASH are committed to building a more efficient, data-driven approach to improve WASH services and community wellbeing that aligns with regional and national goals.
Published on: 24/11/2024
Since 2017, South Ari Woreda has been implementing a District Health Information System (DHIS-2) to collect essential health data for the district. However, there were challenges that affected the accuracy and quality of data, especially regarding sanitation and hygiene services. To address these issues, IRC WASH, in collaboration with the South Ari Woreda Health Office, recently organised a refresher training on DHIS-2 for the woreda leadership and technicians from cluster health centres. The training aimed to enhance the quality and reliability of health data reporting focusing on sanitation and hygiene indicators across the woreda by improving data consistency and supporting informed decision-making, adherence to Open Defecation Free (ODF) verification standards and maintaining DHIS-2 reporting requirements for sanitation and hygiene.
Challenges in data reporting and quality
Through consultations with health extension workers, Health Information System (HIS) technicians, and other stakeholders, the woreda identified several obstacles impacting data quality. Limited understanding of sanitation and hygiene indicators among health extension workers at the kebele level has led to reporting inconsistencies. Reports often lack verification before reaching HIS technicians, who are responsible for final data entry into DHIS-2. Additionally, inadequate support and follow-up from cluster health centre managers, health extension focal and Woreda Health Office staff have contributed to lapses in data quality.
A lack of coordinated oversight at each level has led to incomplete or inaccurate health data, weakening the reliability of sanitation and hygiene service data across the woreda.
Each health centre oversees WASH data collection at the kebele-level health posts, where initial data is gathered, and then entered into the DHIS-2 system at the health centre level. Key issues identified include indicator comprehension gaps at health posts and primary reporting lapses at the health centres.
At each health centre, a health extension focal point coordinates kebele-level WASH package implementation and liaises with higher administrative levels, while the health centre head oversees overall health centre activities, including reporting. Health information technicians handle data entry into DHIS-2 and improve the reporting process. People from all the three roles attended the training. Additionally, heads and experts from the Zone Health Department and Woreda Health Office participated in the sessions
The training
The training was led by Tagel Degu, Health Management Information System (HMIS) team coordinator, from the Ari Zone Health Department and Desalegn Chachalko, a WASH focal person in South Ari Woreda Health Office. The training dealt with the following topics:
The participants were from the seven health centres in South Ari Woreda, including Gazer Primary Hospital, there were 21 in total and six of them were women.
Commitment to improve sanitation and hygiene services
During his opening remarks, Ari Zone Health Department Head, Yihun Galo emphasised the importance of each team member’s role in data accuracy, stating, “All health data encoders must understand each indicator and provide reliable information in the system. Health Extension Workers should take responsibility for any health-related issues in their kebeles, from disease outbreaks to data quality”.
Yigremachew Aemiro, Deputy Head of the Woreda Health Office and Disease Prevention Team Leader, highlighted that for the past four years, the woreda has been working to improve sanitation and hygiene services to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). He also pointed out that sanitation and hygiene services have underperformed in the woreda, with data inconsistencies, complicating the WASH SDG plan progress tracking, despite significant efforts. To close this gap, he also indicated that the woreda decided to begin monthly data collection for sanitation and hygiene at the kebele level and quarterly reporting on DHIS-2.
The DHIS-2 refresher training marks a significant step toward enhancing data accuracy and strengthening the WASH service delivery in South Ari Woreda. By focusing on accountability, improved data management, and regular capacity building, the South Ari Woreda Health Office and IRC WASH are committed to building a more efficient, data-driven approach to improve WASH services and community wellbeing that aligns with regional and national goals.
