Health Information – An Essential Foundation of Public Health Action
25 July 2011 | KINGSTON/JAMAICA
The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization will be conducting an assessment of the national health information system from 26-27 July 2011. The Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer says reliable andtimely health information is an essential foundation of public health action and health systems strengthening, both nationally and internationally. “We need better health information to improve accountability, and ensure evidence-based decision-making. This is particularly so when resources are limited and funding-allocation decisions can mean the difference between life and death. As the responsibility for health data is divided among different ministries or institutions, coordination is critical. We face reporting requirements from multiple subsystems that impact on the delivery of timely, accurate and complete data. Although a vast amount of data is collected, only a small proportion is synthesized, analysed and used. Our national health information system strengthening must start with a broad-based assessment.
”Dr. Hugo Prado, Acting Country Representative of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization in Jamaica, says that “a sound health information system depends upon organized processes for gathering, sharing, analysing and using health-related data for decision-making. To support this, development partners must harmonize their efforts and align themselves around a sound national health information system. The need for sound information is especially urgent in the case of emergent diseases and other acute health threats, where rapid awareness, investigation and response can save lives and prevent broader national outbreaks and even global pandemics. Health information systems can be further fragmented by disease-focused demands that often relate to donor requirements and international initiatives directed towards specific areas. Countries then risk being overwhelmed by multiple, and often parallel, information demands that can stretch available resources beyond their limits.” stakeholders have been invited to participate in this important assessment that will take place at the Pegasus Hotel from 26-27 July 2011. A feedback session will be held on 29 July 2011.
For more information please contact:
Regards, Stephanie Shaw Smith
Manager - Public Relations & Communication
Ministry of Health
2-4 King Street
Kingston
967-1561 (Straight line & Fax)
967-1100-4 (Switch board) Ext: 2524, 2441/2; 2515
509-0617 (Cell)
The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization will be conducting an assessment of the national health information system from 26-27 July 2011. The Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer says reliable andtimely health information is an essential foundation of public health action and health systems strengthening, both nationally and internationally. “We need better health information to improve accountability, and ensure evidence-based decision-making. This is particularly so when resources are limited and funding-allocation decisions can mean the difference between life and death. As the responsibility for health data is divided among different ministries or institutions, coordination is critical. We face reporting requirements from multiple subsystems that impact on the delivery of timely, accurate and complete data. Although a vast amount of data is collected, only a small proportion is synthesized, analysed and used. Our national health information system strengthening must start with a broad-based assessment.
”Dr. Hugo Prado, Acting Country Representative of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization in Jamaica, says that “a sound health information system depends upon organized processes for gathering, sharing, analysing and using health-related data for decision-making. To support this, development partners must harmonize their efforts and align themselves around a sound national health information system. The need for sound information is especially urgent in the case of emergent diseases and other acute health threats, where rapid awareness, investigation and response can save lives and prevent broader national outbreaks and even global pandemics. Health information systems can be further fragmented by disease-focused demands that often relate to donor requirements and international initiatives directed towards specific areas. Countries then risk being overwhelmed by multiple, and often parallel, information demands that can stretch available resources beyond their limits.” stakeholders have been invited to participate in this important assessment that will take place at the Pegasus Hotel from 26-27 July 2011. A feedback session will be held on 29 July 2011.
For more information please contact:
Regards, Stephanie Shaw Smith
Manager - Public Relations & Communication
Ministry of Health
2-4 King Street
Kingston
967-1561 (Straight line & Fax)
967-1100-4 (Switch board) Ext: 2524, 2441/2; 2515
509-0617 (Cell)