The main objective of Information Systems for Health (IS4H) is to introduce a renewed vision that helps to establish a general framework of operation and a common understanding of the specific components of Information Systems for Health. The project seeks to support countries in defining strategies, policies, standards for interoperable and interconnected systems, and best practices in health data management for improving decision-making and well-being under the framing of four overarching strategic approaches:
- universal access to health and universal health coverage,
- health in all policies,
- eGovernment,
- open and big data Initiatives.
The implementation of IS4H at the national level seeks to enhance collaboration and coordination across the country and sub region through the definition and adoption of standards for interoperability. The adoption of these standards for interoperability is a critical factor of success as an essential measurement element to conduct monitoring and evaluate progress toward universal access to health and universal health coverage, including the measurement of health outcomes, comprehensive health services, and inequities and social determinants of health.
PAHO is fully committed to work with all its member countries in IS4H initiatives at both regional and national levels, facilitating dialogue and encouraging expansion from the current priority area of client management systems to other areas critical to health, involving prevention, rehabilitation, and overall improvement of the health system.
Acknowledgments
The Pan American Health Organization would like to thank the following for their financial and technical help in the IS4H project:
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
- Government of Canada
- Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
PAHO also thanks the invaluable support of:
- University of Illinois Urbana
- RELACSIS
