Ethiopia’s shift to a unified digital health management information system (HMIS) and the launch of the Information Revolution have led to significant improvements in data quality and use.

Key interventions included harmonizing digital systems, enhancing governance and leadership, capacitating the health information system (HIS) workforce to use data, and strengthening performance monitoring teams.

Notable progress includes increased data completeness and accuracy at health facilities and better use of data for decision-making. However, challenges such as system interoperability and workforce shortages remain.

Early studies show promising improvements, but sustained progress will require continued efforts to address gaps in system integration and expand workforce capacity.

Continued investment in digital HIS infrastructure and policy alignment is essential to ensure seamless data integration and enhance system functionality.

Strengthening the HIS workforce through targeted training and mentorship is crucial for maintaining high standards of data quality and effective use.

Persistent challenges, such as system interoperability and workforce shortages, need to be addressed to ensure that improvements are sustained and that health data continues to drive evidence-based decision-making and improved health outcomes.

Health information systems (HISs) are essential to a country’s health system as they provide critical support to health policymaking, management, financing, and service delivery. A well-functioning HIS should produce timely and reliable data that are available and easily accessible to decision-makers throughout the health system. Ethiopia has transitioned from a fragmented, paper-based health management information system (HMIS) to a harmonized, digital system used at points of collection and service delivery.

In 2016, the Federal Ministry of Health (MOH) launched the Information Revolution (IR), a transformative agenda aimed at enhancing the culture of data use, scaling priority HIS tools and systems, and strengthening HIS governance. Between 2016 and 2022, the MOH, Data Use Partnership, and other partners implemented a series of IR interventions that supported this agenda. These interventions included deploying and harmonizing digital HIS systems; strengthening HIS leadership, coordination, and governance; implementing the IR pathway strategy; enhancing capacity through supportive supervision, mentorship, and training; and improving performance monitoring teams. This article aims to synthesize the key HIS interventions implemented in Ethiopia as part of the IR and document the effects of these interventions on HIS performance.

Early studies indicate promising improvements in HIS performance across health facilities in Ethiopia. However, challenges remain. To ensure sustainable progress, it is essential to continue addressing key challenges, such as system interoperability, HIS workforce, and capacity for data use at all levels. By building on the successes of the first Health Sector Transformation Plan and addressing these gaps, Ethiopia can advance its vision of a robust, data-driven health system capable of improving health outcomes and driving evidence-based decision-making.

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