Health Information and Its Crucial Role in Policy Formulation and Implementation

Abstract

In an era where every public health action is expected to be backed by credible evidence, health policy-making has also been increasingly seen to follow the same. The general consensus across the globe is to strengthen health information systems and the decisions of the policy makers are increasingly relying on the information provided to them through such systems. COVID-19 has clearly brought out the need for accurate, timely and relevant information in planning for and responding to public health emergencies that can be equally devastating, if not more. It is crucial for information providers to understand the importance of communicating and disseminating it in a timely manner so that it leads to public health action for the larger good of the population.

National Health Observatory: A Tool to Strengthen the Health Information System for Evidence-Based Decision Making and Health Policy Formulation in Cameroon

“…The public health challenges facing health systems in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region require effective health information management to ensure the effectiveness of the right to health and to improve the health status of populations. Optimal use of available technology in the field of health information can significantly increase the capacity of the public health system to make decisions in real time [2]. Timely and accurate data are needed to enable countries to assess the health status of populations, set priorities and monitor progress towards goals and targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) [3].…”