Experts Advocate Open Health Data for Crises

The Need for Open and Updated Health Facility Databases in Africa

Researchers from the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust in Kilifi and the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp have emphasized the importance of creating and maintaining open, regularly updated health facility databases across Africa. These databases are crucial for improving healthcare delivery, especially in regions where resources are limited and coordination is often challenging.

Many African countries still lack centralized, accessible listings of their health facilities. This absence hinders efforts to allocate resources effectively, coordinate emergency responses, and manage disease outbreaks. Without accurate and up-to-date information on the location, type, services offered, and operational status of health facilities, it becomes difficult to respond swiftly to public health crises.

The research, led by Dr. Peter Macharia and Dr. Emelda Okiro, highlights how these databases can serve as essential tools for governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and responders, particularly during times of crisis. The study suggests that such lists should be made available to all stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, and researchers. However, this access must be governed by a framework that ensures data sharing while protecting the privacy of individuals and the rights of data creators.

Despite some progress, many countries still do not have accessible health facility databases. For example, Kenya and Malawi have made partial information available through web portals, but other nations either lack such systems or require special permissions to access them. This inconsistency was glaringly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed significant gaps in healthcare coordination and response capabilities.

A 2023 nationwide health facility census in Kenya was noted as a positive step forward. However, the researchers pointed out that many other countries, particularly those with fragile health systems, still do not have any formal registry of their health facilities. This lack of data makes it difficult to plan and implement effective public health strategies.

Benefits of Detailed Healthcare Resource Mapping

Detailed maps of healthcare resources can significantly enhance emergency responses by identifying facilities equipped to handle specific crises. Disease surveillance systems also rely on continuous data collection from healthcare facilities to monitor and control outbreaks effectively.

The study highlights successful examples from countries like Mali and Sierra Leone, where structured facility databases have contributed to improved healthcare delivery in underserved areas. These cases demonstrate the potential benefits of investing in digital infrastructure and open data policies.

Call to Action for Political and Financial Commitment

The authors of the study urge political leaders to prioritize investments in digital infrastructure, open data policies, and institutional cooperation. They stress that creating and maintaining proper health facility lists requires significant political and financial commitment from governments. Without this support, it will be challenging to build and sustain reliable health data systems.

Building a continent-wide framework for health facility data could have far-reaching benefits. It would not only improve emergency preparedness but also promote equity in healthcare access and strengthen disease surveillance systems across borders. By ensuring that all stakeholders have access to accurate and timely information, African countries can better respond to public health challenges and improve the overall quality of care.

In conclusion, the development of open, regularly updated health facility databases is a critical step toward achieving more effective and equitable healthcare delivery across Africa. With the right investments and policies in place, the continent can make significant strides in improving public health outcomes and strengthening its response to future crises.