How does conflict affect health information systems in South Sudan?

Conflict disrupts health information systems in multiple ways: health facilities are damaged or destroyed; health workers flee conflict areas; data collection tools and equipment are lost; communication infrastructure is disrupted; and the security situation prevents supervisory visits and data collection. In South Sudan, conflict has resulted in significant gaps in health data from affected areas, making it difficult to assess the health impact of conflict and plan the response.

Strategies for maintaining health data collection during conflict include: using mobile data collection tools that can work offline; training community health workers to collect basic health data in areas where facility-based services have been disrupted; using satellite communication for data transmission in areas where terrestrial networks are down; and partnering with humanitarian organisations that have access to conflict-affected areas. SSHIA is developing guidance on health information system resilience in conflict settings.