Africa faces major health data gaps, hindering lifesaving interventions

A recent World Health Organization report highlights substantial gaps in recording deaths and tracking health needs in Africa. The report, based on an assessment of 40 countries in the WHO African Region, found that only 19 countries reported notifying authorities of at least 80 percent of deaths, while 21 reported recording the cause of death for at least 80 percent of registered deaths. These gaps can delay lifesaving interventions and leave preventable health risks undetected.

The report, titled "The Maturity and Functionality of Health Information System in the WHO African Region," reveals that many countries are still at an early stage in developing the systems and capacities needed to produce and use reliable health information. The overall maturity score for health information systems across the region was 59 out of 100, with country scores ranging from 26 to 93. This indicates considerable differences in progress and a need for tailored approaches to national circumstances.

One of the major challenges facing health information systems in Africa is financing and governance. Only 18 percent of countries assessed reported having a dedicated budget line for health information systems, while 35 percent had an up-to-date national policy to guide their development. The assessment also identified weaknesses in coordination, routine data-quality checks, and the availability of trained professionals. These shortcomings can undermine efforts to maintain reliable information systems and ensure that investments translate into better healthcare services.

Despite these challenges, countries have made significant progress in digital health reporting. Forty-three of the Region's 47 Member States have adopted a digital platform for collecting and reporting routine health information. However, only 20 percent of countries participating in the assessment reported implementing digital patient medical records, and fewer than half had established frameworks allowing different health information systems to exchange information.

The report highlights the importance of reliable health information in identifying emerging health threats and directing health services and resources where they are most urgently needed. According to Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, "When we do not know why people are dying, which children are missing essential services or where communities face the greatest health risks, we may overlook the very people who need our attention most." Dr. Janabi emphasized the need for stronger investment, skilled professionals, and better coordination to turn reliable information into decisions that prevent avoidable deaths and improve healthcare.

The WHO is taking steps to address these challenges. In August 2026, the organization launched the Regional Health Data Hub, a digital platform designed to bring together information from different health programs and provide a more complete picture of population health. The platform aims to help decision-makers identify underserved populations, monitor health trends, and direct resources where they are needed most.

The findings of the report will inform discussions at the First Africa Health Data Forum, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 10 to 12, 2026. The forum will bring together Ministers of Health, senior government officials, WHO, and development partners to examine the findings, share country experiences, and identify practical solutions and investment priorities. The forum will also explore opportunities for coordinated investment and action to strengthen health information systems and support more responsive healthcare services.

Key points

• A new WHO report reveals significant weaknesses in health information systems across Africa.
• Only 19 of 40 countries assessed reported notifying authorities of at least 80 percent of deaths.
• The WHO launched the Regional Health Data Hub to address health data gaps and improve healthcare in Africa.