Strengthening Data Systems and Use for Infectious Outbreak Preparedness in Uganda

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted a critical lesson for global health systems: effective preparedness depends on timely access to reliable and interconnected health data. Across many countries, fragmented information systems limited the rapid exchange and use of data needed for outbreak detection, response, and decision-making. In Uganda, the recurrent emergence of infectious disease outbreaks, including Ebola, Marburg virus disease, and cholera, has reinforced the importance of resilient and interoperable health information systems. Although substantial progress has been made in strengthening disease surveillance and response mechanisms, persistent challenges continue to affect the country's capacity to generate and utilize high-quality data during public health emergencies.

This study combined a review of published and grey literature with qualitative inquiry to explore existing challenges in Uganda's health data ecosystem. Six key informants with expertise in health information systems, disease surveillance, and outbreak response participated in in-depth interviews to provide insights into current gaps and potential solutions.

The findings revealed several interconnected challenges, including fragmented and poorly integrated information systems, limited access to critical digital infrastructures, incomplete digitalization of data collection processes, and weaknesses in data quality and accessibility. These challenges often result in delays in data sharing and evidence-based decision-making during outbreaks. Participants noted that many of these barriers are well recognized and can be addressed through targeted and relatively modest investments. Key recommendations included accelerating the integration of existing health information platforms, expanding end-to-end digital data collection, increasing investments in health information systems, and strengthening coordination among government agencies and development partners.

Strengthening Uganda's preparedness for future epidemics requires sustained commitment to interoperable health information systems and high-quality data management. Building on the strong foundations already established through collaboration with partners such as World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, targeted investments and enhanced governance mechanisms could address the most pressing system gaps. Advancing these efforts will improve the availability and use of quality health data, enabling more effective surveillance, faster outbreak response, and greater resilience against future public health threats.