DHIS2 Version 42 Overview

Email-based authentication codes for multi-factor authentication

From this version, DHIS2 also support email-based multi factor authentication (MFA). Email-based MFA should be configured at the system level and will be an option for the users when they are turning on MFA/2FA. If the user selects “Email”, they system emails a one-time password to the provided email address.

New Maintenance App available on continuous release

We are continuing to work on the new and improved version of the Maintenance app. The new Maintenance web app is on continuous release and is being dynamically updated on an ongoing basis. At the time of this v42 release we can announce the implementation of the Data Element, Categories and Indicator type sections.

Tracker to aggregate data: Program indicator disaggregations

This feature enables the possibility of creating disaggregations for Program Indicators that match with existing category options, and combinations. Such disaggregation will facilitate analyzing Program Indicators by those disaggregations with DHIS2 analytics apps as well as aggregating the values and importing within an aggregated data model though the Data Exchange app.

Metadata deduplication and merging

Merging of metadata is being gradually supported within DHIS2 core functionalities facilitating metadata cleanup operations. Backend supports merging the following metadata objects through the web API: Organisation Units, Data Elements, Indicators, Indicator Types, Category options, Category option combinations (limited to one use case, when the catoptcombination are the same).

Frontend support through the user interface is gradually implemented as well. So far the new Maintenance app supports merging options for Category option, Indicators and Indicator types. In these cases the user is able to select the “source” object to merge and the “target” object to merge references to.

Android Synchronization Troubleshooting web app

The new Synchronization Troubleshooting web app provides implementation administrators real-time visibility and troubleshooting capabilities for synchronization errors occurring in the last 24 hours tracker or event programs. It will enable sys admins to analyze persisted Android sync error API responses. The app is available on the App hub and will require administrators to install it in their instances.

Bulk simple operations in Capture

You can now perform bulk actions in the Capture app for Event and Tracker programs working lists.

For Tracker programs, you can now either complete or delete enrollments simultaneously on multiple tracked entities. The action will apply to the tracked entities selected in the working list. This is supported on continuous release, for v2.39 and above.

For Event programs, you can either complete or delete multiple events simultaneously. The action will apply to those events selected in the working list.

Multi-calendar in Capture app

The web Capture App uses now the CalendarInput component. CalendarInput is an input field with an integrated calendar picker, which allows users to either type a date or select one from the calendar picker. The calendar component enables data collection for dates and periods based on the calendar configured in system settings.

Show and filter on assigned user in Program stage working list

The filtering options in working lists have been improved in the DHIS2 Capture app. You can now display and filter on assigned user at the program stage level.

Display event's org unit in working lists

In Event and program stage working lists, you can display the organisation unit for the event as a column. This can be helpful if you are looking at all events assigned to you or available to you, but have access to several organisation units.

Changelog enhancements

The event changelog now includes also a history of changes to report date, scheduled date and geometry. In addition, you can filter changes by either user or data item.

Related stages / Linked events enhancements

There have been some enhancements to the related stages functionality in Tracker programs. You now have a two-event workspace so you can see both events that are linked in one page. The related stages widget is now visible on the registration page, as well as in the view event page. You are also able to unlink events.

Improved Launch / Start page

Now, when entering the Capture app, the start page will give short, helpful text to guide the user to what the app is for, as well as a link to the user documentation.

Breadcrumb bar for event and enrollment pages

Breadcrumb navigation has been added at the top of the event and enrollment pages. It tells the user the steps they followed to reach the page where they are. Each item is actionable and will let them navigate across pages.

Show org unit selector in all event forms

You can now change the org unit in the form itself (instead of the context selector) when creating or editing an event. The org unit selector is displayed in the “Basic info“ section in the workspace.

Organisation unit contextualization

You can now hover over organisation units in working lists, widgets, and forms and see the full organisation unit hierarchy for that org unit for additional context.

Data Visualizer: Data definitions and information in data item selector

On the right of each data item in the selector in the Data Visualizer app there is now an information icon that can be clicked and a table with relevant information is shown. The information displayed depends on the item’s data type.

Data Visualizer: Option set option counts

Event data items (data elements and tracked entity attributes) that have an option set assigned gain extended functionality in the Data Visualizer data dialog. Users can choose which options to include and disaggregate on and the presentation mode (individually vs. aggregated) for the selected options.

Dashboard: External Dashboard types - Superset

DHIS2 now supports displaying external dashboards through the DHIS2 Dashboard app. This allows dashboards served from other platforms to appear side-by-side with standard DHIS2 dashboards. The first supported external dashboard type is Superset, using a connector contributed by BAO Systems.

Dashboard: Slideshow mode

The dashboard can be displayed in a slideshow by clicking on the “slideshow” button. When you enter the slideshow, you’ll find navigation buttons and an exit button in a navigation bar at the bottom of the page. You can also navigate with the forward and back arrow keys on the keyboard, and exit the slideshow with the esc key. Any filters that are applied will be displayed in the navigation bar.

Dashboard: Updated app design with improved user experience

The new version of the Dashboard app features several key improvements:

• Streamlined dashboard bar: We’ve moved to a single, fixed dashboard bar, freeing up valuable vertical space and ensuring it remains accessible as you scroll.
• Efficient dashboard menu: The list of available dashboards is now located in the left-hand menu, providing a faster and more intuitive way to search for dashboards.
• Enhanced dashboard grid: The grid now has a more modern look and makes better use of the available space.

Maps: Functional and UX Improvements

This version features several improvements to the Maps app:

• Combine org unit selections: You can now combine org unit selections by selecting user org unit as well as other org units and org unit levels in all layer types.
• Support custom calculations: You can now utilize custom calculations created in Data Visualization app in Maps app.
• Additional information in pop-up for Tracked Entity Layers: Pop-up now displays Coordinates, Org Unit name and attributes if marked to be displayed in list.
• Enhanced support for type of relationships in Tracked Entity layer: Experimental relationships mapping now supports a broader variety of relationships definitions: unidirectional and bidirectional relationships and permutations of same/different TrackedEntity type and same program.

Maps: Period selector for thematic layers

The “Period” tab in the Maps app has been completely redesigned to improve flexibility and clarity:

• It now uses the same period selector as other analytics apps, allowing selection of multiple periods and support for non-Gregorian calendars.
• All Maps now handle multiple periods selections, including mixed selections of different period types, fixed and/or relative presets.
• Start and End Date inputs use the new standard calendar with improved data entry mask, which supports translations (currently limited to the Gregorian calendar).
• Mapping options (Single, Timeline, or Split Map) are now more clearly displayed with icons and improved information messages.

Maps: Support additional EE layers and allow them to be toggled for each DHIS2 instance

Administrators with the authority to manage external layers can now select layers (For example from Earth Engine) from catalogue to be visible or hidden from other Maps app users.

Maps: Support enrollment coordinates

You can now use enrollment coordinates in the Event layer in the Maps app. In this way you can map events (and the associated information) but utilize the coordinate that was captured during program enrollment.

Integrate Kotlin multiplatform rule engine with Capture App

The web Capture App, the Android Capture App and backend use the same rule engine from v42. this ensures consistency in the program rules configuration and and how actions are triggered across all platforms.

Spring framework upgrades

Ongoing upgrades to the Spring framework ensure that the security of DHIS2 is maintained. During this release the engineering team has performed an upgrade to Spring 6, upgrade Spring Security, and integrated Spring Authorization Server which enables for implementing multi-factor authentication in the DHIS2 Android Capture app.

Export idScheme

The IdScheme support in the old Tracker endpoints and the new Tracker endpoints have been aligned. Until now, new Tracker endpoints only supported importing Tracker data with different idSchemes, but not when exporting. Exporting with different idSchemes is supported now.