Geographic Information System as a Tool for Integration of District Health Information System and Drug Logistics Management Information System in Malawi

Abstract

While the Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) at the national level in Malawi is integrated, separate health information subsystems operate independently at the district level. For instance computerized Information Systems, such as District Health Information System that stores health data and Drug Logistics Management Information System that stores drug logistics data, operate as separate independent systems at the district level. Evidence however shows that information derived from fragmented systems is characterized by poor quality, irrelevancy, unreliability, untimely reporting and therefore inadequacy for management requirements. As one way of addressing problems associated with disintegrated HMIS, organizations worldwide are making collaborative efforts to integrate disparate information systems into one. Hence, this paper discusses possibilities of using Geographic Information System (GIS) to integrate District Health Information System and Drug Logistics Management Information System at district level in Malawi.