Health Information Systems in Tanzania

Abstract

Health Information Systems (HIS) constitute data compilation, reporting, dispensation and the use of information for better health service delivery at all levels. In Tanzania, health service is organised into three components (USAID, 2007): the district (the district hospital, health centres, dispensaries, and community health services), secondary and tertiary hospitals and other tertiary-level institutions (teaching institutions), and the central level which provides support services such as policy-making, donor coordination, monitoring and evaluation. The government of Tanzania is aware that improved HIS facilitates proper decision making regarding health care delivery. Using secondary data, this article discusses the application of information systems to improve health services delivery in Tanzania. Moreover, the article highlights the significance of digitally-based health information system in health care delivery.