DHIS2 News: PAHO and HISP UiO Sign MoU to Strengthen DHIS2 Capacity in the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the HISP Centre at the University of Oslo (HISP UiO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on strengthening digital health information systems in the Americas. The agreement establishes a framework for capacity building, technical support, and research to promote the sustainable and effective use of DHIS2 in the region.

This five-year partnership aims to support PAHO and its member states to leverage DHIS2 for data-driven decision-making, improved public health surveillance, and integrated health information systems. DHIS2 is an open-source, web-based platform widely adopted in more than 80 low- and middle-income countries to collect, manage and analyze health data.

“The signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance public health infrastructure across the Americas,” said Marcelo D’Agostino, unit chief for Information Systems and Digital Health at the PAHO Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health. “By leveraging the DHIS2 platform, we are not only strengthening our capacity to monitor and respond to health challenges, but also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. This agreement underscores our commitment to achieving universal health access and coverage, ensuring that every individual in the region can benefit from robust, integrated information systems for health.”

Key Areas of Collaboration

Capacity Building: The partnership will focus on developing regional and in-country training programs, supporting local DHIS2 customization, and enhancing technical skills among public health professionals.

Knowledge Exchange and Research: PAHO and HISP UiO will work together on research initiatives and the dissemination of best practices to advance digital public health strategies in the Americas.

Technical Support and Integration: The collaboration will facilitate streamlined responses to DHIS2 technical assistance requests, helping countries optimize their health information systems.

Strategic Initiatives: The MoU enables joint activities such as conferences, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events, strengthening regional engagement within the global DHIS2 community.

The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to fostering sustainable, high-quality health information systems that align with global efforts, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By combining PAHO’s extensive public health expertise and relationships with member states, with HISP UiO’s leadership in DHIS2 development and implementation, the collaboration aims to strengthen the region’s digital health capabilities.

Background

PAHO is the leading international public health organization in the Americas, serving as the Regional Office for the World Health Organization (WHO) and the specialized health agency of the Inter-American System. With over 120 years of experience, PAHO supports countries in strengthening health systems and addressing public health challenges.

HISP UiO began operations in 1994 as an action research project supporting health system digitalization in low- and middle-income countries, and has grown to become the hub of an international network. HISP coordinates the development of the open-source DHIS2 software and promotes research, innovation and capacity building in digital global health and related areas; helping countries to deploy digital tools like DHIS2 to monitor public health, combat and prevent pandemics, and manage treatment and care for a variety of health programs.