Data for tracking SDGs: challenges in capturing neonatal data from hospitals in Kenya.

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Informatics
• Public Health Systems

Background:

• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target 3.2 aims to reduce neonatal mortality.
• District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) is a key tool for health indicator data reporting in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• There is a growing need to assess DHIS2's utility for collecting neonatal hospital data as facility births increase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the implementation experiences of DHIS2 in LMICs for neonatal data.
• To map information flow for neonatal data reporting in Kenyan hospitals.
• To identify challenges and opportunities for improving neonatal mortality data collection and reporting.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of published literature and policy documents from LMICs.
• Mapping of information flows from healthcare facilities to the national level.
• Analysis of two use cases on newborn data collection and reporting in hospitals.

Main Results:

• DHIS2 possesses strong technical capabilities but faces significant implementation challenges.
• Information flow visualizations reveal complex, people- and paper-based subsystems preceding digitization.
• Hospitals encounter major challenges in accurately identifying newborn deaths and collecting mortality data.

Conclusions:

• DHIS2's effectiveness hinges on robust people- and paper-based subsystems, which present micro-level challenges in hospitals.
• Standardized information processes, improved recording/reporting tools, and a strengthened workforce are essential.
• Addressing these challenges can enhance data quality and support SDG 3.2 progress for reducing neonatal mortality.